In a concerning development for U.S. cybersecurity and infrastructure, the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa in Pennsylvania was targeted by a cyberattack, reportedly perpetrated by an Iranian-backed group known as Cyber Av3ngers.

This alarming incident, which took place last Saturday, underscores the growing vulnerabilities in American infrastructure to international cyber threats.

Matthew Mottes, the chairman of the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, revealed that the attack focused on one of their booster stations.

The implications of this breach were significant, as Penn Live reported that the hackers successfully shut down a pump in the supply line, which is crucial for providing drinking water from the treatment plant to Raccoon and Potter townships in Beaver County.

This cyber intrusion not only disrupted the mechanical operations but also carried a political message, as one of the hacked monitors displayed, “You have been hacked. Down with Israel. Every equipment ‘made with Israel’ is Cyber Av3ngers legal target.”

Despite the severity of the attack, authorities in Pennsylvania have assured residents that the water remains safe to drink.

They emphasized that the hackers did not gain access to the water treatment plant itself, a critical point in maintaining public safety and trust.

Further details from CBS revealed that the attacked station, located on the town’s outskirts, plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating pressure for the aforementioned townships.

Mottes highlighted that the compromised machine uses Unitronics, a system with Israeli-owned software or components, hinting at a possible motive behind the target selection.

In response to this incident, U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) took to Facebook, stating, “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.”

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Deluzio further noted the involvement of federal officials in the investigation and emphasized his readiness to assist with federal agencies.

His comment, “Attacks on our critical infrastructure like water are unacceptable,” reflects the broader concern over the security of vital public systems.

This attack is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cyber warfare and its potential impact on public infrastructure.

It highlights the need for heightened security measures and international cooperation to protect against such threats.

The incident in Aliquippa serves as a wake-up call, indicating that even local facilities are not immune to the global reach of cyberterrorism, and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity strategies in safeguarding public utilities and services.

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