Pennsylvania Water System Hacked By Iranian-Backed Cyber Group: Reports

The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, revealed that one of their booster stations was hacked by an Iranian-backed group, CBS News reported.

This article was originally published by Insider Paper.

Chairman Mottes confirms Iranian-backed group Cyber Av3ngers’ control, alarm triggered for water facility hack

Matthew Mottes, the chairman of the board of directors for the Municipal Water Authority, confirmed to KDKA-TV that the hacking group, identified as Cyber Av3ngers, took control of the station. An alarm promptly sounded to alert officials as soon as the hack took place.

Mottes mentioned that the station, situated on the town’s outskirts, oversees pressure for Raccoon and Potter Townships. He emphasized that there’s no identified threat to the drinking water or water supply.

The hacked machine operates with a system called Unitronics, and Mottes noted that this system involves software or components owned by Israeli entities.

The affected system has now been shut down. On Saturday, members of the Pennsylvania State Police were called to the booster station to initiate a criminal investigation.

“Since the Oct. 7 massacre, the Islamic Republic of Iran has called on its proxies in the Middle East and Hamas supporters throughout the international world to rally behind the terror movement against Israel, vowing to wipe the Jewish state from the face of the earth” Foreign Desk News reported.

Congressman Deluzio takes note of situation, says attacks on infrastructure are unacceptable

Congressman Chris Deluzio released a statement on Sunday, stating that he is keeping a close eye on the situation.

“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. Federal officials are assisting the investigation, and I remain ready to help with federal agencies.”

“Attacks on our critical infrastructure like water are unacceptable. I intend to push for a full investigation here and accountability for the attackers,” Deluzio wrote.

He further added that he will continue the important bipartisan work on the House Armed Services Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI) Subcommittee to shore up America’s defenses.

CyberAv3ngers asserted on X that they have claimed responsibility for multiple global attacks. These include targeting 10 water treatment stations in Israel as of October 30, 2023, as per CBS News.