US water utilities face wave of hacker attacks
Photo: hackers caused damage in over 10 states (Getty Images)
The US has recorded a large-scale wave of cyberattacks targeting water supply and wastewater systems in at least 12 states. Despite breaches at certain facilities, authorities have assured that there is no threat to drinking water quality, according to Axios.
According to the publication, the campaign ranks as one of the most extensive cyberattacks against US municipal water infrastructure in recent years.
The perpetrators gained access to systems that, in many cases, should not have been connected to the internet at all — pointing to serious gaps in cybersecurity.
Minnesota was the hardest hit, with dozens of water systems attacked. In several communities, temporary disruptions to equipment operation and water pressure occurred, prompting local authorities to recommend that residents boil their water. However, no cases of drinking water contamination have been recorded.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are investigating the incidents. No official attribution has been made so far, but US officials and experts suspect the involvement of Iran-linked hacker groups.
According to experts, the incidents have once again highlighted the vulnerability of America's water infrastructure, which often relies on outdated control systems and lacks sufficient funding for adequate cybersecurity.
In response, volunteer cybersecurity groups are already helping local water utilities strengthen the protection of critical systems.
Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said that water supply could become Russia's next target in Ukraine. While people might survive without electricity, living without water — including sewage systems — would be far more difficult.
The enemy's goal is to pressure Ukrainian society and force the government to capitulate, the minister said.
