At least 12 states have reported cyberattacks or attempted intrusions involving water and wastewater systems, according to reports citing sources. The incidents are possibly linked to hackers backed by Iran, although the available information does not establish that every attack had the same origin or motive.
Reports identified water systems in several states as targets, including New Jersey and Georgia. In at least one account, an incident affecting New Jersey systems was described as part of activity spanning seven states. Details about the attacks, including their duration, technical methods and any operational effects, have not been fully disclosed.
The reports have prompted water utilities and other authorities to take additional precautions, including in the Chicago area. Officials and cybersecurity experts have previously warned that water infrastructure can be vulnerable because of aging equipment, limited resources and the increasing use of internet-connected control systems.
The incidents have renewed attention on the security of the nation’s water supply and on concerns that warnings about weaknesses in water systems have not always been matched by sufficient investment or protective measures. Investigations into the reported attacks and any links to Iran-backed groups remain ongoing.
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