Iran-aligned cyber group targets Pa. water authority: Reports
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An Iran-aligned cyber group reportedly targeted a Pennsylvania water authority on Saturday, although the attack did not affect the authority’s operations, according to media reports.
According to the reports, a group called CyberAv3ngers seized partial control of a booster station operated by the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, that monitors and regulates water pressure for customers in Raccoon and Potter townships. This affected a pump that regulates press on a supply line.
The system was disabled after an alarm notified workers of the threat, and crews then used alternate methods to maintain water pressure along that line.
A message from the hackers said the system was attacked because it uses equipment made in Israel.
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall) said in a statement that the federal officials are assisting in the investigation.
The Washington, D.C.-based Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a group of national associations and water foundations, said in a statement that utilities that experience any cyber incidents or suspicious activity should contact the FBI, the Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
It said also that to help prevent incidents, water and wastewater utilities should sign up for CISA’s free Cyber Vulnerability Scanning service, which assesses the health of internet-accessible assets by checking for vulnerabilities.
The water authority did not respond to a request for comment.
