The US Federal Bureau of Investigation, which launched an investigation into a wave of cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems in the United States, said the incidents involved systems in at least seven states.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in July that internet-exposed systems at more than 100 water and wastewater facilities had been targeted. In an alert issued on August 21, the agency urged critical infrastructure organizations to strengthen relevant security mechanisms against possible intrusions.
Alleged cyberattacks by Iran-linked groups
Hacker groups allegedly linked to Iran targeted internet-connected automated systems used in the telecommunications, energy and water infrastructure sectors in the United States.
Government and cybersecurity sources said the cyberattack attempts had not succeeded so far. They also said artificial intelligence had helped the attackers identify targets and penetrate systems, significantly lowering the barrier to carrying out such attacks.
APT IRAN issues a threatening statement
The hacker group known as APT IRAN, which claims to conduct Iran-linked cyber operations, said in a social media statement that previous warnings had been ignored.
“The United States will soon witness unexpected and critical incidents in the energy, water and telecommunications sectors.”
The group's statement included these threats against the energy, water and telecommunications sectors.