Hackers targeted municipal water systems in 7 states this week, FBI says
The FBI and EPA have issued warnings following cyberattacks on municipal water systems across seven U.S. states. While the source of the attacks remains under investigation, the incidents have caused operational disruptions, leading to political finger-pointing between President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Why it matters
The vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber warfare poses a direct threat to public health and national security.
Cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems have been reported in at least seven states this week, prompting the FBI and the Environmental Protection Agency to warn utilities nationwide that hackers are trying to disrupt critical water infrastructure. In a public service announcement Thursday, the agencies said water and wastewater utilities have reported incidents to the FBI, with some malicious activity degrading water operations. The announcement does not name the states. The warning comes after hackers targeted more than 30 municipal water facilities in Minnesota in an attack that had hallmarks of Iranian meddling, according to a law enforcement official. It is still under investigation. A spokesperson for Minnesota’s information technology services agency said Thursday there was no indication the breaches contaminated any municipal water supplies.
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