The FBI and EPA in the USA have warned that cyber attackers are targeting water and wastewater technologies, affecting facilities in at least seven states.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. have issued a joint warning regarding cyberattacks on water and wastewater infrastructure, which have disrupted the operation of facilities in at least seven states. The attackers targeted the programmable logic controllers (PLC) of Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, altering IP addresses and passwords, which led to loss of functionality and operational issues, including pressure loss and flooding.

FBI and EPA recommend that operators disconnect PLCs from the internet, strengthen authentication measures, and maintain manual operation options. The warning came after a recent attack that affected over 30 water systems in Minnesota, although authorities assured that the safety of drinking water was not compromised. It is suspected that Iranian hackers may be responsible, but the investigation is ongoing.