N.Y. (WEAU) – The FBI is investigating a series of cyberattacks on water facilities across the country, following a coordinated attack on water systems in 30 Minnesota communities
The FBI said malicious hackers were able to change the passwords and IP addresses of systems that operate and monitor water facilities. The agency said it has received reports of loss of pressure and flooding, which can allow untreated groundwater to seep into pipes. The FBI did not identify which seven states were affected.
Minnesota officials warned of a coordinated cyberattack on the water systems of 30 communities. Water safety was not impacted, but the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Minnesota officials said the incident underscores the need for more investment in cybersecurity to prevent future threats.
Reports, including from The New York Times, citing U.S. and state officials suggested the attacks may have been the work of Iran. The FBI says it is not currently blaming Tehran as it works to identify a culprit.
Just last week, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said Iran cyber actors were continuing to target U.S. infrastructure, with water and wastewater systems listed as a particular concern. For years, Iran has targeted U.S. water systems, and officials said the suspected attack fit that pattern.
President Trump pointed to state officials, saying of the Minnesota attack: “I think I blame it on Minnesota because they’re grossly incompetent… They like to say, oh, is Iran? Iran should be so lucky. Iran’s got bigger problems than worrying about Minnesota.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz responded on X, saying: “Trump knows exactly who is responsible for this attack, and knows that other states were hit too. This is what modern warfare looks like, and it further illustrates there’s no plan to win a war with Iran.”
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