US Water Facilities Hit by Cyberattacks
The FBI and EPA warn of cyberattacks targeting US water and wastewater utility companies, with seven facilities hit since July 27, 2026. Hackers are exploiting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to disrupt operations, leading to flooding and loss of water pressure. Authorities advise utilities to secure systems and strengthen passwords.
Key points
- The FBI and EPA issued a public service announcement warning of cyberattacks on US water and wastewater utility companies.
- Seven water and wastewater utility companies have been hit by cyberattacks since July 27, 2026, causing flooding and loss of water pressure.
- Hackers are targeting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to infiltrate systems and disrupt operations.
- The FBI advises utilities to use secure gateways, firewalls, and stronger passwords to protect their systems.
- The attacks have led to reports of loss of pressure and flooding, which could result in untreated groundwater seeping into pipes.
US Water Facilities Hit by Cyberattacks
The FBI and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued a public service announcement warning of cyberattacks on US water and wastewater utility companies. The attacks, which began on July 27, 2026, have already hit seven facilities, causing flooding and loss of water pressure.
The hackers are exploiting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to infiltrate systems and disrupt operations. Once inside, they remotely access internet-facing devices and change IP addresses and passwords, preventing utilities from monitoring and controlling their operations.
The FBI is advising utilities to take immediate action to secure their systems. This includes using secure gateways and firewalls to protect against direct internet exposure, setting up stronger passwords, and utilizing access control lists to only allow authorized communications between system devices.
The attacks have significant implications for public health and safety. Loss of pressure in water systems can lead to untreated groundwater seeping into pipes, resulting in a much larger impact than just low water pressure.
The FBI's warning comes after more than 30 municipal water facilities in Minnesota were infiltrated by hackers over the past week.
Sources
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