Modern infrastructure runs on systems most people never see, yet they are essential to daily life. Behind every glass of clean water is a complex network of technology managing treatment, distribution, and safety in real time. These systems were designed for reliability and efficiency, but many were not originally built with today’s cybersecurity threats in mind, creating a growing challenge for utilities that must now balance modernization with protection.
Michael Price’s research brings this challenge into clear focus. As the recipient of the Best in Track Award for Information Systems & Operations Management, Price is recognized for his paper, “Improving Cybersecurity and Configuration Management at Providence Water with Rockwell AssetCentre.” His work explores how utilities can strengthen their operational systems while addressing vulnerabilities that have developed over time due to evolving technology and inconsistent management practices.
At the core of the research is the complexity of industrial control systems and SCADA networks, which serve as the backbone of modern water utilities. These systems control pumps, filtration processes, and chemical treatments, often across large and distributed environments. While they have significantly improved operational efficiency, they also introduce risks when configuration management relies heavily on manual processes, fragmented documentation, and aging infrastructure that is difficult to monitor or secure.
Price’s work focuses on the role of configuration management as a critical control point in reducing those risks. In many cases, utilities track system configurations through spreadsheets or disconnected records, which can quickly become outdated. This lack of visibility increases the likelihood of configuration drift, where the actual system settings no longer match what is documented, creating vulnerabilities that can go undetected until a failure or security incident occurs.
To address this, the research proposes a shift toward centralized and automated management. By implementing Rockwell Automation’s AssetCentre platform, Price outlines how utilities can establish structured workflows that include automated backups, version control, and role-based access. These capabilities create a more controlled environment where changes are documented, monitored, and recoverable, reducing both operational risk and the likelihood of human error.
The cybersecurity implications of this approach are significant. Water utilities are increasingly viewed as targets within critical infrastructure, and even minor weaknesses can have serious consequences for public safety and service continuity. By aligning configuration management practices with established frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the research ensures that technical improvements are directly connected to broader governance and compliance objectives.
What makes this work particularly valuable is its emphasis on implementation rather than theory alone. The project provides a clear roadmap that includes asset validation, workflow design, integration considerations, and resource planning. This level of detail gives organizations a practical starting point, even in environments where budgets and technical capacity may be limited, and helps translate complex concepts into actionable steps.
There is also an important leadership dimension embedded throughout the research. Managing infrastructure today requires coordination across engineering, information technology, and organizational leadership, with each group playing a role in maintaining system integrity. Price’s work demonstrates how structured planning and cross-functional collaboration can bring these perspectives together to support more resilient and effective operations.
The broader relevance of this research extends well beyond a single utility. Many organizations face similar challenges as they work to modernize legacy systems while maintaining reliability and security. The framework outlined in this study offers a scalable approach that can be adapted across industries where operational technology plays a critical role.
The Best in Track Award for Information Systems & Operations Management recognizes work that connects systems, processes, and outcomes in meaningful ways. Price’s research exemplifies this by combining technical insight with practical application, offering a path forward for organizations seeking to strengthen both performance and security.
As infrastructure continues to evolve, the responsibility to manage and protect these systems will only grow. The future will not be defined solely by technological advancement, but by the ability to implement, monitor, and continuously improve the systems that support everyday life. Michael Price’s work serves as a reminder that resilience is not something that happens by chance, but something that is intentionally designed and sustained over time.