A nationwide warning has been issued regarding potential cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the White House National Security Adviser highlighted that these attacks, often linked to the Iranian Government’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have targeted operational technology at water facilities. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities such as unchanged default manufacturer passwords, posing significant risks to the critical infrastructure of clean and safe drinking water. Federal authorities are actively investigating these incidents and collaborating with sector partners to provide necessary support and guidance.
The warning also mentions the involvement of a Chinese state-sponsored cyber group, Volt Typhoon, which has compromised multiple critical infrastructure systems, including drinking water. The EPA and the White House are urging state governors to ensure that all water systems assess their cybersecurity practices, identify vulnerabilities, and implement measures to mitigate risks.
The emphasis is on the need for comprehensive cybersecurity practices to protect these essential services from nation-state adversaries and terrorist organizations. The call to action aims to secure water systems against increasing cyber threats and ensure the safety and reliability of drinking water across the country.
Complete story here: https://www.newsweek.com/warning-drinkin-water-issued-nationwide-iran-cyberattack-1881427
