Cyberattack on Multiple Rural Texas Water Facilities

Hackers attacked small Texas towns' water systems, causing a tank to overflow in one of them. Then, "There were 37,000 attempts in four days to log into our firewall," said Mike Cypert, city manager of Hale Center. The town is home to about 2,000 residents. "The attempted hack failed as the city "unplugged" the system and operated it manually, he added."

The water facility in Muleshoe, a town of about 5,000 people was also attacked. The hackers broke into a remote login system for industrial software that allows operators to interact with a water tank. City manager Ramon Sanchez said in an email: "The water tank overflowed for about 30 to 45 minutes before Muleshoe officials took the hacked industrial machine offline and switched to manual operations." Muleshoe officials replaced the hacked software system. However, the city's water disinfectant system was not affected, and the public water system nor the public was in any danger.

In nearby Lockney, home to around 1,500 people, hackers unsuccessfully tried to access the town's water system.
The town of Abernathy also experienced cyber incursions. Hackers entered through a virtual network connection, but city staff caught them within 30 seconds. The attackers were cut off as they were trying to change passwords, City Manager Donald Provost told Bloomberg News.

The attacks have been linked to a shadowy Russian hacktivist group. Therefore, the FBI and the US Department of Homeland Security are investigating these breaches.

Estimated Cost

Tank overflowed for 30-45 minutes; no impact on drinking water

Threat Source

Impacts

OT IT