OAN Staff James Myers
11:02am – Monday, October 7, 2024
American Water Works on Monday reported an unspecified cyberattack on its IT systems, which provide drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people.
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The New Jersey-based company became aware of the hack on Thursday and took the necessary steps to prevent it, including shutting down certain water systems, according to a filing by the company.
The company said it does not believe its facilities or operations were affected by the cybersecurity incident, but “the full impact cannot be predicted at this time.”
“To protect our customers' data and prevent further damage to the environment, we have disconnected or deactivated certain systems. Customers will not be charged late fees while these systems are unavailable.” said an American Water spokesperson. CBS News By email. The company is “working around the clock to investigate the nature and scope of the incident,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the utility company said it has notified law enforcement and is cooperating.
American Water is considered the largest water and wastewater company in the United States, providing drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 14 states and 18 military bases, according to the company's website.
As a result, the company's stock fell $2.87, or 2%, to $139.71 in early Monday trading.
Additionally, U.S. officials are concerned about alleged operations by Chinese intelligence officials to compromise critical U.S. infrastructure networks, including water treatment facilities.
They also linked cyberattacks targeting U.S. broadband providers to the Beijing government. wall street journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
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