From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 20s
Foreign hackers targeted Colorado water systems
Small water providers in Colorado were hit by cyberattacks that altered equipment settings and disabled alarms, officials say.
In brief
Small water providers in Colorado were hit by cyberattacks that altered equipment settings and disabled alarms, officials say. Foreign actors, possibly Iranian, are targeting US water infrastructure, and the FBI is warning utilities to disconnect systems from the internet and prepare manual backup controls. Originally…
Foreign actors hit Colorado water
Two small water providers in Colorado were targeted by foreign actors who changed equipment settings, disabled alarms, and altered pumping cycles, according to the governor's office.
“These were brief incidents and the risks were quickly addressed by the providers themselves”
Fewer than 200 people affected
Each of the two targeted systems served fewer than 200 people. Water quality and treatment processes were not impacted, officials said.
Iran suspected in broader campaign
The governor's office said it is aware of Iranian activity targeting water systems around the country. Iran was the prime suspect in summer cyberattacks on water utilities, though involvement has not been officially confirmed.
At least a dozen states targeted
At least a dozen states have reported possible cyber intrusions targeting water and wastewater utilities, according to multiple sources.
FBI urges defensive measures
The FBI is urging utilities to disconnect systems from the internet where possible, use systems with breakers, and become familiar with reverting to manual controls if automated systems are compromised.
What it means
Foreign actors, possibly Iranian, are targeting US water infrastructure, and the FBI is warning utilities to disconnect systems from the internet and prepare manual backup controls.
