Minnesota Officials Reveal Some 30 Communities Had Their Water Systems Targeted In Cyberattack

More than 30 Minnesota communities had their water systems hacked in a “coordinated cyberattack,” local officials revealed this week.

Local outlet Fox 9 first reported this week on four cities that had revealed they were targeted in the cyberattacks: Plymouth, South St. Paul, Maple Plain, and Braham.

The attacks are currently under investigation, but the cities said the attacks were “limited” or “mitigated.” The water systems were targeted on Sunday and Monday, according to local officials, and more than 30 communities were part of the “coordinated” effort.

In Maple Plain, the mayor declared a state of emergency and in Braham residents were asked to temporarily minimize water usage. A water plant was also closed and it is set to be open again within a few days.

Minnesota IT Services Assistant Commissioner John Israel released a statement to Fox 9, saying that responses from local governments worked in thwarting the attacks.

Israel said:

Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure require a coordinated, whole-of-government response, MNIT is working side by side with our partners to share intelligence, support affected communities, and help utilities restore operations safely while strengthening defenses against future attacks. This incident demonstrates why Minnesota has invested in strong cybersecurity capabilities and partnerships. Our response worked as intended, enabling agencies at every level of government to rapidly coordinate, contain the incident, and help prevent more serious impacts to critical services.

Minnesota IT Services said in a statement that the situation is “evolving” and it is not yet known “how many entities have been impacted yet.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, cyberattacks targeting public water supplies (PWSs) have become much more common in recent years.

“Cyberattacks have become more common and public water supplies (PWSs) that utilize operational technology are required to assess their cyber security at least yearly,” a statement on the Minnesota Department of Health website reads. “Attacks by foreign cyber hackers have occurred and homegrown terrorists and ordinary vandals are a threat to the safety of drinking water.”

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