Cyberattack on American Water Highlights Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

The largest U.S. water utility pauses billing as it investigates an IT-focused cyberattack, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures.

American Water, serving over 14 million people, experienced a cyberattack affecting its billing systems but not water services.
The company detected unauthorized activity last Thursday and took immediate protective actions, including system shutdowns.
Experts indicate the attack was IT-focused, sparing operational systems, but revealing vulnerabilities in customer service technologies.
Federal agencies have urged water systems to enhance security, with recent inspections showing 70% of utilities violated protection standards.
The incident renews calls for stronger safeguards across critical infrastructure to prevent future breaches.