FBI, EPA Warn Water Utilities After Cyberattacks Across Seven States

Why it matters locally: While North Carolina has not been named among the affected states, the FBI and EPA warning is relevant to all water utilities in the state, including those managed by local entities like Wake County Public Utilities and Charlotte Water, prompting increased vigilance against potential cyber threats to essential infrastructure.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued a warning to water utilities across the United States. They caution against cyberattacks after incidents occurred in at least seven states this week. Hackers have targeted municipal water systems, aiming to disrupt essential water infrastructure. The joint advisory from the federal agencies emphasizes the ongoing nature of these attempts. Officials did not immediately identify the specific states affected or provide details on the nature of the disruptions. The FBI and EPA statement focused on informing utilities nationwide about the threat.