This Cloud CISO Perspectives for August 2026, featuring Chris Sistrunk and Stephanie Kiel, addresses critical security issues in the water sector. Threat actors are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, especially water utilities' internet-connected programmable logic controllers. While manual overrides have historically provided a safety net, fundamental digital security is paramount in the AI era. A threat-informed, risk-managed response is recommended for water and wastewater utilities. Key actions include inventorying assets, implementing basic security hygiene, maintaining robust backups, and utilizing network segmentation and multifactor authentication. Emergency planning should integrate cyber incident responses into existing all-hazards systems, and third-party vendor access must be secured rigorously. IT and OT leaders must collaborate to build unified governance frameworks to enhance cyber-physical system resilience. AI-augmented security approaches are crucial for modernizing defenses and acting as a force multiplier for lean security teams. The "Mandiant Operational Technology (OT) Theory of 99" highlights that most compromises occur in computer workstations and servers, offering a defender's advantage through AI to protect intermediary infrastructure. Integrating AI tools strategically, with human oversight, can shift the balance in network security towards defenders. Protecting water systems is a public safety imperative, leading to increased government action and initiatives like the pilot program launched by the Office of the National Cyber Director and the State of Texas.