Lead

Michigan has reported cyberattacks on nine of its water systems, days after Minnesota reported similar breaches across the state, as reported by Al Jazeera. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it was investigating both attacks on Saturday. In an advisory earlier this week, the FBI said that at least seven states have reported incidents, but so far only Minnesota and Michigan have been identified.

No culprit has been identified in any of the attacks, which comes after authorities warned of a possible Iranian plot. The breaches came after the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other agencies warned in an advisory last week that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and wastewater systems and the operational controls of other critical infrastructure sectors.

Coverage Comparison

ABC Australia reported that about 30 water systems in the US were attacked earlier this week, using methods that have pointed investigators to an Iranian-backed group. The method used in the attack "is consistent with" the CyberAv3ngers cybercriminal group, which the US government accuses of operating under Tehran's control. The operation disrupted the water supply in the small town of Braham, in the greater Minneapolis area, for about two hours before service was restored.

Al Jazeera, meanwhile, noted that the FBI is investigating both attacks and that no culprit has yet been pinpointed. It also reported on the comments of US President Donald Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding the attacks.

Both outlets referenced the advisory from CISA issued on July 22, warning of an offensive by Iran-affiliated organisations against online control systems for infrastructure in the United States.

Key Claims

  • About 30 water systems in the US were attacked earlier this week, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • The method used in the attack is consistent with the CyberAv3ngers cybercriminal group, which the US government accuses of operating under Tehran's control, according to cybersecurity firm Tenable, as cited by ABC Australia.
  • The attack disrupted the water supply in the small town of Braham, in the greater Minneapolis area, for about two hours before service was restored, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory warning of an offensive by Iran-affiliated organisations, as reported by both ABC Australia and Al Jazeera.
  • Michigan reported cyberattacks on nine of its water systems, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • The FBI is investigating both of the attacks, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • No culprit has been identified in any of the attacks, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

  • US Government: The FBI and CISA have issued advisories warning of Iranian cyber actors targeting US critical infrastructure. FBI Assistant Director Brett Leatherman stated, "Iranian cyber actors continue to target US critical infrastructure, and the FBI is committed to identifying, disrupting, and imposing costs on those responsible."
  • State Officials: Dale George, director of communications for Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, said that "all systems continued to operate safely" following the attacks. He added that Michigan received a federal cyber alert on Tuesday about attempts to tamper with operational technology in water systems, and soon after, the state received "a small number of reports from Michigan communities indicating activity consistent with what federal agencies described."
  • Political Figures: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz indicated his belief that Iran was behind the attack, while US President Donald Trump said "I think Minnesota is behind it" when asked about the Minnesota attacks, as reported by Al Jazeera.