Columbus water officials say the city's systems have not detected suspicious activity as federal authorities investigate a series of cyberattacks targeting water systems across the country.
Columbus Water & Power is monitoring the attacks, which have affected water systems in multiple states, including Minnesota and Michigan.
"We are monitoring the cybersecurity incident affecting water systems across the country and keeping updated on the situation through our state and federal partners," Columbus Water & Power spokesperson George Zonders told The Dispatch.
"Neither the Division of Water or the Division of Water Reclamation are seeing any suspicious activity or other issues at this time."
The statement comes as federal authorities investigate cyberattacks
against water and wastewater infrastructure in at least seven states.
What happened to water systems across the U.S.?
More than 30 water systems in Minnesota were targeted in cyberattacks in late July, according to state and federal officials.
The attacks targeted technology used to operate water systems, resulting in disruptions in some communities. In Braham, Minnesota, attackers temporarily disabled controls for the city's wells and water treatment plant, while Plymouth experienced a temporary communications outage involving its water infrastructure.
Michigan officials later reported cyberattacks affecting nine water systems in that state. Officials said the systems continued operating safely and there was no threat to public health.
The FBI is investigating the attacks.
Ohio has not been publicly identified as one of the states affected by the attacks.
Federal authorities have also warned about cyber activity associated with Iranian hackers targeting critical infrastructure, including water and wastewater systems. While recent attacks have similarities to previously identified Iranian-linked activity, federal authorities have not formally attributed the attacks to Iran.
Water and wastewater systems are considered critical infrastructure because disruptions can affect public health and safety.
Is Columbus' water system affected by the cyberattacks?
As of Aug. 5, Columbus Water & Power has not detected suspicious activity or other problems involving either its water or water reclamation systems, Zonders said.
The department is continuing to monitor developments through state and federal partners.
"Operational security is a top priority at Columbus Water & Power, and we regularly review all aspects of our systems to keep them safe and secure," Zonders said.
Federal cybersecurity officials have urged water utilities to take precautions to protect operational technology from cyberattacks, including limiting internet exposure of critical equipment and regularly assessing systems for vulnerabilities.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus water systems unaffected by cyberattacks across the country
