Cyberattacks on U.S. water systems have hit at least a dozen states, according to CBS News, and officials suspect Iran-backed hackers are responsible. Fox News reports a lower number, at least seven states, and directs attention to a coordinated attack on dozens of Minnesota water utilities.
The conflicting counts leave the full scope unclear. CBS, citing sources familiar with the matter, said attacks have been reported in at least 12 states. Fox said at least 7, but did not mention any suspected Iranian link.
Fox did report that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned about exposed programmable logic controllers weeks before the Minnesota strike. Those controllers are devices widely used to automate the treatment and flow of drinking water. The Fox report described the Minnesota attack as coordinated.
Both reports suggest the attacks were the work of a single actor, but neither provides evidence naming the culprit. Officials have not identified which states were affected beyond Minnesota, nor have they said whether water service was disrupted.
The possible involvement of Iran-backed hackers is based on what CBS called "sources familiar with the matter." No official confirmation has been published.