WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would double the amount of funding available in certain grants and technical assistance to local water authorities to strengthen cybersecurity efforts.
In July, Minnesota faced more than 30 cyberattacks on water systems potentially linked to Iran. At least 11 other states have reported possible cyberattacks to their water systems—with some experiencing flooding and reduced water pressure or going offline completely. At least 100 municipalities across the country have reported potential hacking efforts to their water systems.
“We have seen far too many instances of cybersecurity threats to our critical water systems,” said Rep. Finstad. “Just this summer, Minnesota experienced over 30 cyberattacks targeting operational technologies that our communities rely on. I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio in introducing this important, bipartisan legislation that will help ensure our local water authorities have the proper capabilities to respond to threats from foreign adversaries.”
“Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable, and the 2023 Iranian hack in Western Pennsylvania should have been a major wake-up call for our federal government. Especially while the Iran War continues, we need to make sure our local water authorities have the resources and training they need to defend against cyber threats from the Iranians and others. Residents should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe from attacks. I am proud to reintroduce the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act to help local leaders better secure our water system,” said Rep. Deluzio.
