How hackers attack municipal water systems – and why the utilities are so vulnerable

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

While US President Donald Trump has said Iran is not to blame, cyber experts tell the BBC it likely the attack was at the hands of the Iran.

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.