Cyberattack Targets Metro Atlanta Water System

Why it matters locally: While no specific water systems in Virginia have been publicly identified as targets, this national incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure, including water utilities, which are present throughout the Commonwealth.

A cyberattack impacted the operational technology systems of a water utility in metro Atlanta. The incident occurred recently, prompting an ongoing investigation. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are involved in the response. Authorities have not publicly identified the specific utility. This incident follows a series of cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems across seven U.S. states. Previous attacks have been attributed to a group known as 'Cyber Av3ngers.' This group has publicly expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments, and public sources have associated it with Iran. Water utilities are categorized as critical infrastructure. Federal agencies continue to monitor and address cybersecurity threats to these systems.