Water supply cyberattacks spread from Minnesota to Michigan
Michigan officials reported cyberattacks targeting nine of the state’s water systems,with investigations considering a possible link to Iran amid similar hacks across multiple states,including Minnesota. The FBI is examining attempts to disrupt water system operations, though authorities assure that all systems remain operational and pose no public health threat. At least seven states have experienced such cyberattacks, with authorities suspecting Iran’s involvement, though investigations are ongoing. Minnesota’s recent incidents have drawn political reactions, with former President trump dismissing the Iran connection and blaming local incompetence instead.Officials emphasize the need for enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent future attacks.
Michigan officials on Saturday reported cyberattacks on nine of the state’s water systems, as investigators look into whether Iran is linked to a spate of similar hacks on states across the country.
The FBI is investigating after Michigan received a federal cyber alert Tuesday about attempts to tamper with the water systems’ operational technology. The development comes after Minnesota said it had suffered similar hacks on its water systems, with the cities of Plymouth and Braham being among the areas impacted.
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Dale George, the director of communications at Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said authorities received “a small number of reports from Michigan communities indicating activity consistent with what federal agencies described.”
“All systems continued to operate safely, issues were addressed by local operators, and there are no known impacts that posed a public health concern,” George told the Associated Press.
The development comes after the cyberattacks have hit at least seven states, including 30 sites in Minnesota alone, according to authorities.
U.S. officials suspect Iran could be linked to the hacks, while emphasizing that the assessment is preliminary and still under investigation.
Braham mayor Nate George told the New York Times Friday afternoon that federal and local officials had little doubt about the likely culprit being Iran, but are reluctant to say so publicly.
“I think the troubling thing on the horizon is how do we move forward to a more secure system,” he said. “IT infrastructure upgrades are very costly and we are a very small municipality.”
THOUSANDS ALREADY APPLIED FOR MINNESOTA’S NEW PAID LEAVE PROGRAM OPEN TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
In Minnesota, President Donald Trump this week targeted Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) over the debacle, saying it was likely the “incompetency” of the governor’s administration, rather than Iran, that was to blame for the cyberattacks.
“I just want to mention that we heard in Minnesota there was a cyber attack, and they blame it on Iran,” Trump told reporters. “I don’t think so. I think I blame it on Minnesota because they’re grossly incompetent … they like to say, ‘Oh, it’s Iran.’ Iran should be so lucky. Iran’s got bigger problems than worrying about Minnesota.”
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