Columbus Water Works hit by cybersecurity attack, no threat to public water supply | #hacking | #cybersecurity | #infosec | #comptia | #pentest | #ransomware

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Columbus Water Works experienced a cybersecurity attack on Monday, July 27, according to Columbus Emergency Management Agency Director Chance Corbett.

Corbett said the hack affected operating systems that transmit data, such as water usage monitoring, which were not functioning properly. CWW immediately switched to manual operations following the attack. Corbett said the incident did not affect water service to Columbus residents.

Agencies notified, investigation ongoing

Corbett said any cyber threat to a government agency requires a report to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. GEMA’s IT support and the FBI have been working to determine the source of the attack. Corbett said there has been no loss of water, no threat to the water supply and no threat to the public.

Corbett said if residents had needed to be concerned, CWW would have issued public notifications. He said there was no compromise to water volume, flow or quality.

Systems being restored

CWW is working to secure any portions of the system that were found to be vulnerable, Corbett said. Not all operating systems are fully functional, and staff are continuing to conduct manual checks. Corbett said the systems are expected to be fully restored by this week.

The source of the attack has not been determined. Corbett said he could not speculate on whether the attack is connected to reported hacks of water systems in Minnesota that have been attributed to Iran.