The FBI and Homeland Security officials are in Arkansas City to investigate a cyberattack at the city’s water treatment facility that occurred Sunday morning. The city put out a statement Sunday assuring residents that the water supply remained safe and that service was not disrupted. The treatment facility has switched to manual operations while the situation is being resolved. “Residents can rest assured that their drinking water is safe, and the City is operating under full control during this period,” City Manager Randy Frazer said. On Monday Frazer provided more details. The cyberattack took out the water treatment’s control systems and included a ransom request. With the controls down, however, the attackers could not manipulate the system and no sensitive city or customer information was compromised. The identity of the attackers isn’t known, he added, and no ransom is being paid. The city might have to replace some computer equipment, though, to make sure it is free of any malware of virus. Frazer said the federal government has been warning cities for several years of the possibility of cyberattacks on water supplies, because of the potential for great harm to a vital utility. The press release states that enhanced security measures are in place to protect the water supply, and no changes to water quality or service are expected for residents.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
