How hackers attack city water systems -- and why they're vulnerable

Hackers tried to break into at least 30 municipal water systems in Minnesota in July. Since then, several other states have reported similar attacks.

Two New Jersey municipal water systems were targeted in a cyberattack that affected several water agencies across seven states in July.

Two municipal water systems in New Jersey were targeted in cyberattacks in the last week, widely thought to be the work of Iran, the state said Wednesday.

A July 2026 cyberattack targeted more than 30 water systems in Minnesota municipalities, including Plymouth. AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt Hackers tried to break into at least 30 municipal water systems in Minnesota on July 26-27, 2026. Since then, Michigan and five other states have reported similar cyberattacks. The attack

At least a dozen states are reportedly responding to cyberattacks against local water systems. Why it matters: This appears to be one of the broadest known coordinated cyber campaigns against U.S. municipal water systems to date, validating years of warnings that poorly secured utilities could become attractive target

The FBI has issued an urgent warning after hackers targeted municipal water systems in at least seven states over the past week, prompting concerns about the vulnerability of critical water infrastructure across the nation.