Iran Accused of Manipulating Water Systems in Seven U.S. States, Cyberattacks Trigger Water Crisis
U.S. Suspects Iran Behind Cyberattacks on Water Systems
Recent cyberattacks targeted computer networks of water systems across seven U.S. states, marking one of the most severe cyber intrusions into such critical infrastructure in recent years. According to CBS News, experts from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) believe Iranian hackers may be behind the attacks.
The attacks persisted throughout last week. Due to federal agencies typically not releasing complete lists of affected regions until investigations are concluded, official confirmation so far includes only four states: Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Faced with the threat, operators were forced to disconnect certain systems from external networks. Water utility staff effectively reverted to manual operation—starting pumps, adjusting pipeline water pressure, and manually testing chemical content in the water. State governments in affected areas have advised residents to boil water before drinking and pledged to arrange delivery of bottled water and water tankers for hospitals and the public.
However, intelligence agencies currently investigating the incident have not confirmed with certainty that Iranian hackers were responsible. Investigators are collecting technical data to reach a more definitive conclusion. CISA also cannot rule out another possibility: the attack could have been carried out by a third party deliberately leaving traces pointing to Iran, aiming to fuel tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872461979592841/
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