US Water Systems Breached... Authorities Suspect Iran Behind Cyberattacks

Amid a series of cyberattacks targeting water supply systems across the United States, U.S. authorities are increasingly leaning toward the possibility that Iran is behind them, the New York Times (NYT) reported on August 1 (local time).

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hacking attempts targeting water facilities have been confirmed in at least seven states so far, with some impacting water operations.

While the FBI did not specify the affected regions, Michigan announced that hacking activity was confirmed at nine facilities within the state, and Minnesota previously disclosed that about 30 facilities had been targeted.

No signs have been found so far indicating that tap water quality has been altered or that drinking water safety has been threatened.

However, state and local governments across the United States are heightening their alert status to prepare for potential issues in computer systems that monitor and regulate water quality, chemical treatment concentrations, and water pressure.

Authorities have suspected a potential link to Iran from the outset.

The NYT reported that federal investigative authorities are currently placing significant weight on the possibility of Iranian involvement.

This is because Iran has stepped up cyberattacks since the war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and has a history of targeting U.S. water facilities and other critical infrastructure in the past.

The federal government has not yet secured definitive evidence.

Nevertheless, the NYT noted that a conviction that it is the work of Iran is growing stronger within the affected regions and the industry.

Nate George, mayor of Braham, Minnesota, stated that he is receiving information from the FBI and the state government, saying, "They are fairly certain this attack is the work of Iran, but are reluctant to say so."

An industry group that shares cyber threat information among water facilities has also reportedly distributed an internal memo stating that these attacks match the activity patterns of Iran-linked hacking groups.

Cybersecurity experts assessed that this incident demonstrates how Iran-linked hacking activities may have expanded to a level directly targeting critical U.S. infrastructure.

Alex Oleon, who has experience tracking Iranian hacking groups, said, "Iran has carried out various hacking operations against the U.S., Israel, and the Middle East since the war began last February, but infiltrating U.S. water systems represents a meaningful escalation of attacks."

However, President Donald Trump denied the possibility of an Iranian link and blamed Minnesota—which discovered the surge in hacking activity early and notified other states. Speaking to reporters on July 31, immediately after news of the water facility hacking broke, President Trump said, "I think Minnesota is behind it. There was no cyberattack by Iran."

The Trump administration has been at odds with Minnesota over immigration policies and other issues.

In response, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, wrote on X, "This is what modern warfare looks like," countering that the incident should be treated as a national security issue rather than a subject of political dispute.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.