State and federal agencies are conducting an investigation after a coordinated cyberattack hit operational technology (OT) systems at dozens of water utilities in Minnesota.
According to Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), more than 30 community water systems were targeted on July 26 and 27.
Statements issued by some of the cities whose systems have been targeted – including Maple Plain, Braham, South St. Paul, and Plymouth – revealed that some “automated control functions” were affected. Still, contingency procedures were activated and in a majority of cases water and wastewater operations remained operational.
The City of Braham did briefly take its water plant offline after the cybersecurity incident was detected, urging residents to minimize water use. Braham revealed that the “attackers shut down the operating controls, which shut down the well and water treatment plant”.
Plymouth noted that “The issue is limited to equipment connected via cellular communications within the system.”
