Cyberattacks Disrupt Water-System Controls in Minnesota Cities
Summary
Braham said a cyberattack shut down its water-treatment controls, temporarily taking the system offline. South St. Paul, Plymouth and Maple Plain also reported attacks or suspected attacks on water-system technology; officials said service and water safety were not at a
Key points
- Braham officials said unknown actors shut down computerized operating controls, taking the well and water-treatment plant offline; the system was later back online.
- Braham initially asked residents to limit water use because of low water-tower supply, then said normal use could resume.
- Officials said at least four other Minnesota communities were targeted; South St. Paul, Plymouth and Maple Plain later reported incidents affecting water-system technology.
- South St. Paul and Maple Plain said contingency procedures kept water and wastewater operations running without interruption.
- Plymouth said a cyberattack was suspected after communication problems affected two water towers and several lift stations; staff continued operations manually.
- Officials said water quality and safety were unaffected, and Minnesota was assisting Braham with vulnerabilities and investigating the source.
Article Details
- Victim Organization
- City of Braham; South St. Paul, Plymouth, and Maple Plain also reported their water systems were targeted
- Incident Type
- Cyberattacks targeting municipal water-system operating controls and communications
- Operational Impact
- Braham's attack shut down operating controls, wells, and its water treatment plant temporarily; the system later returned online. South St. Paul and Maple Plain reported impacts to automated controls but maintained normal operations using contingency procedures. Plymouth suspected an attack affecting communications at two water towers and several lift stations; staff continued operations manually. Officials reported water quality and safety were unaffected.
- Claim Status
- confirmed