Iran Likely Connected To Cyberattack On MN Water Systems: Report

U.S. officials believe Iran is the likely culprit behind a cyberattack that targeted more than 30 water systems across Minnesota on Sunday and Monday, the New York Times reports, citing U.S. and state officials and others familiar with the matter.

Though preliminary, those officials told the Times the attack comes as Tehran has demonstrated a recent interest in targeting the U.S. water supply.

The hackers also appeared focused on disruption instead of financial gain, placing Iran at the center of the attack, according to the report.

Braham Mayor Nate George said the attack briefly shut down the water system in the small city on Monday morning. Local officials in Maple Plain, Plymouth and South St. Paul also reported issues with automated controls and communications for their water systems.

As of Thursday, officials said there were no indications that any water supply had been rendered unsafe to drink.

"This attack on critical public infrastructure should be a warning to policymakers in St. Paul," George said in a statement. "Minnesota’s local governments are expected to defend essential systems against foreign adversaries and sophisticated criminals, often with limited staff, aging technology and inadequate resources."

The cyberattack on Minnesota's water systems comes as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran. Officials said it's also the latest cyberattack since the war began in February.

In March, officials connected an Iran-linked hacker group to a hack on Stryker, a Michigan-based medical company. Officials said the attack caused a temporary companywide shutdown.