A statewide response is underway after more than 30 community water systems across Minnesota were targeted in a “coordinated cyberattack,” officials said on Tuesday.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported on Monday that equipment malfunctions in Braham and Plymouth had been attributed to cyberattacks. The issue now appears to be far more widespread.
RELATED: Cyberattack blamed for water issues in Braham, Plymouth; others possibly at risk
Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) said the attacks on Sunday and Monday targeted “operational technology.” Still, the agency did not disclose which other communities were affected, citing state law classifying cyberattack reports as nonpublic information.
The state says it is working with local, tribal and federal officials to investigate the incident. Law enforcement, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI, are also working to determine what happened.
“Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure require a coordinated, whole-of-government response,” said John Israel, MNIT assistant commissioner and Minnesota chief information security officer. “MNIT is working side by side with our partners to share intelligence, support affected communities, and help utilities restore operations safely while strengthening defenses against future attacks.”
As of Tuesday, MNIT said it was not aware of any communities that had asked residents to change their drinking water usage.
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