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Op-Ed: Hackers target Americans’ drinking
water supply
[The Center Square] Will Coggin |
Center for Accountability in Science
Water
systems in Maine, California and Nevada targeted this year; Kansas, New
Jersey and Florida last year |
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 Similar attacks were leveled in Kansas and New Jersey late last
year. Florida was also targeted, though the hackers did not just attack the
monitoring systems. Alarmingly, the hackers increased the level of sodium
hydroxide (a caustic substance also known as lye) in the water by 11,000 percent
– enough to seriously harm anyone who consumed the water. Fortunately, the hack
was detected by an employee before anyone was harmed. According to the advisory,
the ransomware criminals likely targeted the “unsupported or outdated operating
systems and software” used by the water treatment facility.
America’s tap water infrastructure is failing at all levels. More than 900 boil
water advisories have been issued so far this year. Families are often warned
about these potentially dangerous outages much too late. In Englewood, Colorado,
families consumed water contaminated with E. coli for three days before they
were alerted – in much the same way that Americans are just now being told about
the cybersecurity attacks that happened as far back as March. Outdated pipes
leave families susceptible to lead poisoning and not just in Flint or Newark.
And it’s not just the water supply – all types of utilities are under attack.
According to one estimate, ransomware attacks have increased 435% in the last
year targeting 560 health care facilities, 1,681 schools and colleges, and more
than 1,300 companies. Ransomware hackers triggered the shutdown of Colonial
Pipelines leading to gasoline shortages throughout the East Coast. The U.S.
Treasury’s Financial Crimes Network, or FinCEN, estimated that at least $5.2
billion worth of bitcoin has been paid to these hackers.
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The federal government has set aside $2 billion to
improve cybersecurity for power grids and water treatment centers in
the $1 trillion infrastructure package pending before Congress. That
infrastructure bill, which also includes funding to replace toxic
lead pipes, has been held up in a partisan dispute for months. It is
not clear when – or if – the legislation will become law. And while
Congress plays games with the infrastructure bill, hackers are
certainly working overtime to exploit systems while they still have
the opportunity.
With the United States already struggling with supply chain shortage
issues, these attacks could leave families without heat, electricity
or water.
For now, families would be wise to ensure their emergency supplies
are fully stocked in case an unforeseen outage occurs locally. FEMA
recommends storing a three-day supply of food, one gallon of water,
per person, per day, with enough to last several days along with
batteries, flashlights, and any prescription medications.
These preparations will help in short-term disasters. Congress needs
to stop stalling and start to address this problem and the
longer-term consequences.
Will Coggin is the managing director of the Center
for Accountability in Science.
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