FBI, EPA Warn Water Utilities After Cyberattacks Across Seven States

Why it matters locally: While no specific South Carolina utilities have been named as targets, the warning from the FBI and EPA directly applies to all water utilities within the state, necessitating heightened cybersecurity vigilance to protect essential infrastructure and public health.

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.