American Water Works Company, Inc., the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, reported a cybersecurity incident on October 3, 2024, affecting its computer networks and systems.
The company, which provides services to over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations, immediately activated its incident response protocols upon discovering unauthorized activity.
In response to the breach, American Water Works took protective measures, including disconnecting or deactivating certain systems.
The company has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to assist with the incident’s containment, mitigation, and investigation. Law enforcement has been notified, and the company fully cooperates with authorities.
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While the full impact of the cyberattack is yet to be determined, American Water Works believes that none of its water or wastewater facilities or operations have been negatively affected.
The company does not expect the incident to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
As a precautionary measure, American Water Works has disabled its online customer service portal, MyWater, which has temporarily paused billing. The company has assured customers that no late fees will be charged during system unavailability.
This incident highlights the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by critical water infrastructure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently warned that cyberattacks against water utilities in the U.S. are becoming more frequent and severe.
Approximately 70% of water utilities inspected by federal officials last year failed to meet standards designed to thwart intrusions.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of robust protection for essential services like water supply. Akhil Mittal, senior manager of Cybersecurity Strategy and Solutions at Black Duck Software Inc., stated, “We’re not just talking about data breaches – this is about the safety of millions of people who rely on clean water every day.”
As investigations continue, American Water Works is working to restore its systems and maintain transparency with the public.
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