- A coordinated cyberattack disrupted water and wastewater utilities in over 30 Minnesota communities over Sunday and Monday.
- Affected towns like Braham (population 1,700) and the Minneapolis suburb of Plymouth had to disconnect equipment to stop the attack; water quality remained safe.
- State and federal agencies, including CISA, EPA, and FBI, responded, sharing threat intelligence and helping utilities contain and remediate damages.
- The attack is suspected to involve Iranian hacking groups, such as CyberAv3ngers, which have been warned about targeting operational technology devices.
- Water utilities nationwide are highly vulnerable, with over 70% failing to comply with risk assessment requirements, and many small rural systems lack cybersecurity resources.
- Emerging AI models are enabling attackers to craft more sophisticated plans, and experts warn that attacks could severely impact hospitals that depend on water supplies.