Foreign Hackers Target Colorado Water Systems

In late August, foreign hackers targeted and manipulated equipment within two local water systems in Colorado. These privately owned utilities each served fewer than 200 individuals. The cyber intrusions involved altering equipment settings, such as disabling remote access and alarms, and changing pumping cycles.

Fortunately, these incidents were brief and posed no threat to public safety or water services. The water providers addressed the risks promptly and subsequently notified state officials. To date, there has been no impact on treatment processes or water quality at either facility.

This event follows a broader trend of cyberattacks targeting water systems across the nation. Earlier in August, a wave of similar attacks affected approximately 100 water entities in a dozen states. Experts note these attacks bear similarities to previous Iranian-linked hacking activity targeting critical infrastructure control systems.