The initiative comes as multiple states grapple with intrusions into their water systems that some officials suspect could be tied to Iran.
LAS VEGAS — A new program is seeking to assist water providers around the country as multiple states grapple with possible Iran-linked cyber intrusions against water infrastructure.
The Water Watch Center provides direct cyber mitigation support to utilities serving fewer than 10,000 people, which represents most of the nation’s community water systems. Launched at this year’s DEF CON hacker convention, the initiative is a joint effort between the National Rural Water Association and DEF CON Franklin, a project of the Cyber Policy Initiative at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
More than 30 community water systems in Minnesota were targeted late last month, according to state officials. Around 12 states have reported similar activity in recent days, though state officials said they continued operating safely and experienced no known effects on public health. The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are working on incident response.
Route Fifty
By David DiMolfetta,
Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
August 10, 2026 11:00 AM ET