Warning to US states regarding attacks on water systems

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sent a letter to state governors regarding the cyberattacks.

The letter stated that hackers affiliated with the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have attacked drinking water systems in the US, and that the Chinese state-sponsored group Volt Typhoon has compromised information technology related to drinking water and other critical infrastructure systems.

Noting that federal officials believe Volt Typhoon actors are preparing to disrupt critical infrastructure operations in the event of geopolitical tensions, the letter stated, "Drinking water and wastewater systems are attractive targets for cyberattacks because they are a vital critical infrastructure sector."

LACKING THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL CAPACITY

While emphasizing the security of clean and safe drinking water systems, the letter also pointed out that these systems often lack the resources and technical capacity required to adopt rigorous cybersecurity practices.

The letter shared information that state officials will attend a meeting tomorrow to address basic cybersecurity measures against threats to drinking water systems.

News Source: AA