In a recent cyberattack, an Iranian-backed group known as Cyber Av3ngers targeted the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, according to the chairman of the board, Matthew Mottes.
The group successfully infiltrated one of the water authority's booster stations, causing significant concern.
Penn Live reported that the cybercriminals managed to disable a pump on a supply line. This line is responsible for delivering potable water from the Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority's treatment plant to Raccoon and Potter townships in Beaver County.
The hackers left a chilling message on one of the compromised monitors, stating, "You have been hacked. Down with Israel. Every equipment 'made with Israel' is Cyber Av3ngers legal target."
Despite the unsettling incident, Pennsylvania authorities have assured residents that their drinking water remains safe. They emphasized that the hackers were unable to gain access to the water treatment plant's systems.
As reported by CBS, the alarm at the booster station was triggered as soon as the cyberattack took place. Mottes confirmed that the station, situated on the town's outskirts, oversees and regulates pressure for Raccoon and Potter Townships. He emphasized that the drinking water and water supply are not at risk.
The compromised machine operates on a system known as Unitronics. Mottes noted that this software, or its components, are owned by an Israeli entity.
U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) expressed his concern over the cyberattack on social media. "I am closely monitoring this cyberattack on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa. My office is in touch with leadership, which reports that there has been no loss of water service for folks," he wrote on Facebook.
Deluzio further stated, "Federal officials are assisting the investigation, and I remain ready to help with federal agencies. Attacks on our critical infrastructure like water are unacceptable." This incident underscores the increasing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
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