Cyberattack targets over 30 Minnesota water utilities

A coordinated cyberattack targeted operational technology systems at more than 30 community water utilities across Minnesota on July 26 and 27, state officials confirmed. The incident, which is under investigation by state and federal agencies, disrupted automated control functions but did not compromise the safety of drinking water, according to statements from several affected cities.

Officials from Maple Plain, Braham, South St. Paul, and Plymouth confirmed their systems were among those targeted. In most cases, contingency procedures were activated and water and wastewater operations remained functional. The city of Braham briefly took its water plant offline after attackers shut down its operating controls, urging residents to temporarily minimize water use. The city administrator there has since requested a re-evaluation of the system's vulnerability study. Plymouth officials noted the impact was limited to equipment connected via cellular communications within their system.

A spokesperson for Minnesota IT Services said investigators identified unauthorized access with malicious intent directed at the systems. The agency stated that the timing, methods of access, and...