Massachusetts officials say they’re monitoring concerns over cyberattacks on water systems
Investigators reported this week that hackers have targeted water systems in at least 9 states across the country.
BOSTON —
There is a sudden push across the country and in Massachusetts to ensure our water is safe, after investigators reported this week that cyberhackers have targeted water systems in at least 9 states across the country, including in Michigan and Minnesota.
It has been what has been characterized as one of the most serious cyberattacks on water systems in the U.S. in years. Multiple U.S. officials tell ABC News that they believe these attacks may have been linked to Iran.
Earlier this week, the federal government issued a warning Thursday about potential cyber threats to water systems.
At this point, officials from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority reported on Saturday that they have not seen vulnerabilities in the state’s water system.
Cybersecurity analysts told NewsCenter 5 that the consequences of the hacks could be far bigger than just a malfunctioning computer system.
“If these Iranian or whoever these hackers, are able to mess with the chemicals, they could turn off the water supply, they could change the chemical feed. So an alert would go off saying, this is not drinkable water,” said Gary Miliefsky, CEO of Cyber Defense Media Group.
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority told NewsCenter 5 that it is monitoring any security threats.
“MWRA has invested significantly in its security systems and protocols and Operations and Security staff work around the clock to ensure that the water and wastewater systems are safe and secure,” officials from the MWRA said.
Analysts say this is just another reminder that our leaders need to be thinking proactively, so they can beat these hackers at their own game.
“We’ve got weak cybersecurity infrastructure. We’re understaffed in our critical infrastructure that starts with water and moves to electricity and transportation and other areas,” Miliefsky said. “You really need to beef up the security or even take all these water systems off the internet for now.”