Mysterious Cyberattacks Hit US Water Systems; FBI Investigates Threats to Michigan and Minnesota
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating recent cyberattacks on water systems in Michigan and Minnesota. Nine water systems in Michigan reported being targeted. This happened days after Minnesota reported similar attacks on 30 sites across the state. The FBI confirmed its investigation on Saturday.
No group or person has yet been identified as responsible for these attacks. However, these incidents occurred after a specific warning from US authorities. The FBI, working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), issued an advisory last week. They cautioned about a possible plan by Iranian hackers. These hackers were said to be targeting water and wastewater systems. They also targeted operational controls of other critical infrastructure sectors.
Dale George works for Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. He confirmed that all water systems in Michigan continued to work safely after the attacks. Michigan received a federal cyber alert on Tuesday. This alert warned about attempts to tamper with operational technology in water systems. Soon after, Michigan communities reported activities consistent with the federal agencies’ description.
Minnesota IT Services is the state’s information technology agency. The agency said most confirmed attacks involved technology that water systems use. This technology helps remotely monitor and control equipment. The agency also stated that the affected systems did not necessarily cause water disruptions. As of Thursday, residents did not need to change how they used water. Some requests for modifications had been made earlier in the week.
Local water plants are generally more vulnerable than other infrastructure. This is often because they have outdated cybersecurity systems. Federal law enforcement has previously indicted Iranian hackers. These hackers were accused of targeting water infrastructure.
Former US President Donald Trump commented on the attacks on Friday. He instead criticized the Democrat-led state government in Minnesota. Mr. Trump stated, “I don’t think there was an Iranian cyberattack.” He did not provide evidence for his claim.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz indicated his belief that Iran was behind the attack. Governor Walz further blamed Mr. Trump’s cuts to federal government employees. He said these cuts made the US more open to cyberattacks. Governor Walz added that Mr. Trump knows who is responsible and that other states were hit too.
