Water agencies advised to disconnect systems from internet, strengthen passwords amid cyberattacks

Water agencies in at least 12 U.S. states have received advisories to disconnect their operational systems from the internet amid a wave of cyberattacks. Officials are investigating the source of these attacks, with suspicions pointing towards Iran-backed hackers.

The advisory urges water facilities to take immediate steps to secure their networks and protect critical infrastructure. Disconnecting from the internet is seen as a crucial measure to prevent further unauthorized access. In addition to severing online connections, agencies are strongly advised to enhance their password security protocols.

These measures come in response to a series of cyber incidents that have targeted water systems across the country. The potential link to Iran-backed groups raises concerns about sophisticated and state-sponsored cyber warfare. The ongoing investigation aims to identify the perpetrators and understand the full scope of the threat to the nation's water supply.