Suspected Iranian Hack Targets Michigan Water Systems After Minnesota Attacks

Michigan has reported cyberattacks targeting nine of its water systems, mirroring incidents that recently affected over 30 systems in Minnesota. While the source of the attacks is under investigation, U.S. law enforcement is treating Iran as the main suspect.

Dale George, communications director for Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, confirmed that the state received a federal cyber alert on Tuesday regarding attempts to tamper with operational technology at water systems. Subsequently, a small number of reports indicated activity consistent with federal descriptions. George assured that all systems continued to operate safely, with local operators addressing any issues, and no public health concerns were identified.

Federal officials, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, indicated that Iran is the chief suspect in these attacks. While the FBI has not publicly identified a culprit, a spokesperson declined to comment on the bureau's assessment. However, Braham Mayor Nate George expressed his strong belief that "Iranian actors" were responsible, though he was hesitant to state this publicly.

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All systems continued to operate safely, issues were addressed by local operators, and there are no known impacts that posed a public health concern.

This wave of attacks comes amid warnings from the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and other agencies about Iranian hackers targeting water and wastewater systems, as well as operational controls in other critical infrastructure sectors. The FBI stated it is "fully engaged to protect critical infrastructure" and remains "well-equipped to protect against cyber threats of all varieties."

Such attacks on local water plants and healthcare facilities are becoming more common due to their often-outdated security measures, making them easier targets. The potential for causing widespread panic also makes them attractive. Iran's interest in U.S. water systems dates back years, with the Justice Department charging a group of Iranian hackers in 2016 for a cyberattack on a dam near New York.

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The FBI is aware of recent public reporting around Water and Wastewater (WWS) sectors. The FBI and our interagency partners are fully engaged to protect critical infrastructure and we remain well-equipped to protect against cyber threats of all varieties.