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Largest Water Utility Company In United States Reportedly Hit With Cyberattack – Provides Water To 14 Million+ People
American Water, the largest water utility company in the United States, says it was the victim of a cybersecurity incident.
“The New Jersey-based company, which provides essential water and wastewater services to over 14 million people across 14 states, said it moved quickly to secure its operations after discovering unauthorized activity within its networks on October 3,” Infosecurity Magazine reports.
JUST IN – American Water Works, providing water to more than 14 million people, hit by "cyberattack."https://t.co/w86HcbXT9O
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 7, 2024
“American Water recently learned of unauthorized activity in our computer networks and systems which we determined to be the result of a cybersecurity incident. As part of our response, we proactively took our customer portal service, MyWater, offline, which means we are pausing billing until further notice. We are working diligently to bring our systems back online safely and securely,” American Water wrote.
“Our dedicated team of professionals are working around the clock to investigate the nature and scope of the incident. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this incident may cause and we are working diligently to remediate and to bring these systems back online in a safe and secure manner,” it added.
“Hackers have compromised American Water Works, the largest regulated water supplier in the U.S., impacting over 14 million people in states including New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, as well as 18 military bases. The Camden-based utility has shut down specific systems to prevent further risk, pledging there will be no late fees for affected customers,” Mario Nawfal wrote.
“Law enforcement has been notified as the company works ‘around the clock’ to assess the breach’s impact. This cyberattack follows increased U.S. concerns over foreign interference in critical infrastructure,” he added.
BREAKING: HACKERS BREACH AMERICAN WATER WORKS SYSTEMS | TARGET 14M+ CUSTOMERS
Hackers have compromised American Water Works, the largest regulated water supplier in the U.S., impacting over 14 million people in states including New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, and… pic.twitter.com/vEr68gddT8
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 7, 2024
Infosecurity Magazine reports:
In a regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday, American Water confirmed that the attack had not impacted the operation of its water and wastewater facilities, which continue to function normally.
However, the company acknowledged that it is still assessing the full scope of the breach.
As a precautionary measure, it has disconnected specific systems and suspended customer billing until further notice. Customers have been assured they will not face late charges during this period.
Ruben Rodriguez, a spokesperson for American Water, told TechCrunch the company’s focus is on protecting customer data and preventing further damage.
BREAKING REPORT: America's LARGEST U.S. water utility hit with MASSIVE cyberattack…
WHO IS ATTACKING AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHT BEFORE AN ELECTION?
American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., experienced a cybersecurity breach last week.… pic.twitter.com/tzSH66Z6PK
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) October 8, 2024
BREAKING: American Water Works, which provides drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 14 states and on 18 military installations, said hackers breached its computer networks and system. pic.twitter.com/gNeUQdiPnU
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) October 7, 2024
Per CNBC:
Some recent hacks of major U.S. companies have brought key online systems to a halt and created chaos for consumers and businesses, such as the hack of UnitedHealth which led to nationwide difficulty among patients needs prescriptions filled and health-care professionals needing to be paid for services.
Hacks targeting U.S. water infrastructure, in particular, have been increasing, with some of the attacks linked to geopolitical rivals of the U.S., including Iran, Russia and China.
Taking out critical national infrastructure has become a top priority for foreign-linked cybercriminals. “All drinking water and wastewater systems are at risk — large and small, urban and rural,” an EPA spokesman recently told CNBC.