Georgia is among at least seven states reporting cyberattacks aimed at critical water infrastructure, according to federal officials and ABC News. The attacks have raised concerns about the security of public utilities, though authorities say there is currently no evidence that drinking water has been contaminated or public health has been put at risk.
Federal investigators say the cyber incidents targeted operational technology used by water and wastewater facilities to monitor and manage system operations. The FBI and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have warned that attackers gained access to internet-connected equipment by changing passwords and network settings, disrupting operators’ ability to monitor certain systems. Some facilities experienced temporary operational issues, including pressure loss and localized flooding, but operators were able to switch to manual controls when needed.
While officials have confirmed Georgia is one of the affected states, they have not identified which specific water systems within the state were targeted. WSB-TV has requested additional information from Georgia state officials as the investigation continues.
The FBI, CISA, and EPA are actively investigating the attacks and have not publicly identified those responsible. However, federal agencies have previously warned that foreign-backed hackers have increasingly targeted U.S. critical infrastructure, including water treatment facilities, in an effort to exploit outdated technology and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Officials stress that residents do not need to alter their water usage at this time. They are encouraging utility providers to strengthen cybersecurity protections, remove critical systems from direct internet access, implement stronger password policies, and closely monitor their networks for suspicious activity as the investigation continues.
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