Minnesota Water Utilities Hit by Coordinated Cyberattacks, Raising Security Concerns
State and federal agencies are investigating a coordinated cyberattack on operational technology systems at over 30 water utilities in Minnesota. The attacks, which occurred on July 26 and 27, affected automated control functions in cities like Maple Plain, Braham, South St. Paul, and Plymouth. While contingency procedures were activated, and most water and wastewater operations remained functional, Braham briefly took its water plant offline. The attacks follow a U.S. government warning about Iran-linked cyber threats targeting industrial control systems from companies like Siemens, Rockwell Automation, and Schneider Electric. Although Iranian groups such as CyberAv3ngers and Handala are suspected, no formal attribution has been made.