A recent cyberattack on small towns in the rural Texas Panhandle has been linked to a shadowy Russian hacktivist group, highlighting the vulnerability of U.S. public utilities to foreign cyber threats. The attack targeted water systems in three towns, including Hale Center, Muleshoe, and Lockney.
In Hale Center, with a population of about 2,000 residents, there were 37,000 attempts in four days to breach the city's firewall. Fortunately, the attempted hack was unsuccessful as the city quickly disconnected the system and operated it manually to prevent any harm to the public.
In Muleshoe, located about 60 miles away and home to around 5,000 people, hackers managed to cause the water system to overflow before officials intervened by shutting down the system and taking control manually. The city manager confirmed that the incident was swiftly addressed, and the public water system remained unaffected, ensuring the safety of residents.
One of the attacks has been attributed to a Russian hacktivist group known as CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn, which has been linked to Russian military hacking units. This group claimed responsibility for similar attacks on water facilities in the United States and Poland earlier this year.
In Lockney, a town with approximately 1,500 residents, cyber attackers were prevented from accessing the water system, with the city manager describing the incident as a mere nuisance that did not cause any significant problems.
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have been informed about the cyberattacks, and efforts are underway to enhance cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure. Last year, Iranian state groups targeted U.S. water facilities, prompting a cybersecurity advisory from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Officials have emphasized the importance of strengthening cybersecurity practices in the water sector, as these systems are essential lifelines that may lack the necessary resources and technical capabilities to defend against cyber threats effectively. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Security Affairs office have urged governors to assess cybersecurity risks and develop strategies to safeguard the water supply from potential cyberattacks.
