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At least 12 states report cyberattacks on water systems possibly linked to Iran-backed hackers, sources say
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Cyberattacks suspected to be linked to Iran-backed hackers have targeted U.S. water systems in at least a dozen states, including Michigan, Minnesota, Georgia, New Jersey, and South Dakota.
- Over 30 community water systems in Minnesota and the Clayton County Water Authority in Georgia, serving 300,000 customers, experienced disruptions such as water pressure drops and forced boil water advisories.
- Some utilities lost critical remote-control capabilities, requiring manual operation, and hackers gained remote access to pumps, valves, and water pressure controls.
- Despite these breaches, officials report no impact on the safety of drinking water so far.
- Federal agencies, including the FBI, EPA, and CISA, have warned affected water systems to disconnect from the internet and enhance cybersecurity measures, though formal attribution to Iran-backed hackers has not been confirmed.
