September 24, 2024 at 08:07AM
Arkansas City’s water treatment facility switched to manual operations following a cyberattack discovered on September 22. City manager Randy Frazer assured residents that the water supply remained safe with no disruption to service. Enhanced security measures are in place, and authorities are working to return operations to normal. This incident highlights the ongoing targeting of US water facilities by threat actors.
Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:
– Arkansas City, Kansas, experienced a cybersecurity incident at its water treatment facility, described by local media as a cyberattack. The incident was discovered on September 22, prompting precautionary measures to ensure the security of plant operations.
– Despite the cybersecurity incident, the city reassured residents that the water supply remains safe and there has been no disruption to service. The water treatment facility switched to manual operations as a precaution while the situation is being resolved.
– City manager Randy Frazer emphasized that they have full control of the situation and that the drinking water is safe. The city has also notified relevant authorities and is working with cybersecurity experts to address the issue and return operations to normal.
– Enhanced security measures are currently in place to protect the water supply, and no changes to water quality or service are expected for residents.
– The incident may have involved a ransomware attack, as indicated by the switch to manual operations to contain the attack, which is a typical response to incidents involving ransomware.
– US water facilities have been targeted by threat actors, prompting the government to take steps to increase the water sector’s resilience to cyberattacks.