Modern conveniences often come with added risks. We would like to imagine that we can replace tedious tasks and jobs that need too much attention with automation. That is a very convenient and easy approach. However, plugging our most important systems into the internet opens up a whole new level of vulnerabilities.
Old-school water systems might be more immune to cyber threats. Image credit: Stephen Hersch
Imagine a deep well: water flows straight into your home with no treatment, no sensors, no automated systems. In that setup, what could Russia do to it? What could Iran do to it? Not much – there’s nothing digital to attack and physical attacks are probably unlikely. It is just a well, afterall.
Now imagine a modern, complex water‑supply network: a large city connected to a single pipeline, automated treatment stations, fluoridation points, and smart monitoring systems. Everything’s plugged into the internet, of course, because these highly digitized automated systems need to be remotely controlled in central locations. Suddenly, outside forces have something they can target – the digital controls that keep the system running.
The New York Times reports that U.S. officials are investigating a wave of cyberattacks against drinking‑water systems in at least seven states. Evidence currently points to Iran, though officials emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and it’s too early for definitive conclusions. Having in mind the ongoing war, suspecting Iran just makes sense. Not to mention that Iran definitely has cyber attack capabilities.
Crucially, the attacks disrupted operations but did not contaminate drinking water or pose a known risk to public health. This is the key point: cyberattacks on water systems almost always aim to stop service, not secretly alter chemical dosing. Modern treatment plants have multiple physical safeguards that prevent dangerous changes to water quality. At least as much as we know.
Donald Trump reportedly doubted Iranian involvement, but state and federal officials believe Iran remains the prime suspect based on intelligence assessments. Cybersecurity experts describe the campaign as an unprecedented attack on U.S. water infrastructure. Why? Because water is both vital and vulnerable. Many water systems are not sufficiently hardened against cyber threats, making them easy targets.
The attackers did not choose specific cities or communities. They simply went after what was most exposed – the systems with weak cybersecurity, where disruption would be easiest. There is a lesson there somewhere.
SkyBiometry Announces New Services to Design AI-Ready Infrastructure and Deliver Production-Ready AI SystemsFeatured Post
Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Approved a New Reconnaissance Drone
Russians in Crimea Found a Way to Blind Satellites? This is Not a Game Changer, Ukrainians Say
Defenders of Ukraine Created an Interesting Barrier Against Fibre-Optic Drones
CISA Alert Follows Coordinated Cyberattack on 30 Minnesota Water Utilities
New Player On The Field – Ukraine Used FrankenSAM For The First Time
Modern Battlefield: Ukraine is Constantly Searching for Russian Electronic Warfare Systems
The Netherlands Wants Its Armoured Vehicles to Defend Themselves From Drones
Ukrainians Have Turned Their HMMWV Into An Armoured Hedgehog
Weapon With No Ammo – Ukrainians Destroyed a Russian R-330 Zhitel
Challenger 2 Also Uses a Cope Cage – Were We Wrong About Russian Home-Made Tank Armor?
