Israel Thwarts Cyber Attack on Water Supplies

The suspected cyber attack attempted to interfere with Israel’s water supply and sewage system, but authorities stopped it before any damage was done.

By Yakir Benzion

Unknown hackers staged a  cyber attack on water facilities in Israel with the aim of taking over operating systems and disrupting pump operations, Ynet reported Sunday.

The attack on several water pumping stations and sewage plants around the country apparently took place over the weekend, however it is unclear whether any operating systems were taken over or pump operations disrupted.

Water and sewage operators were instructed to act immediately to change passwords for the operation of the facilities, “with emphasis on operational systems and in particular on chlorine adding systems,” the report said.

On sites where passwords could not be changed operators were told to consider disconnecting systems from the internet.

No operational damage was reported and the national water authority issued a short statement saying “the issue was addressed.”

According to information received by Ynet, the attacks occurred on Friday and Saturday and were identified by cyber defense protocols.

Initially, the Israel Water Authority stated that “the subject of attempted cyber-attack is not new and is constantly being addressed by the appropriate professionals.”

A few hours after the news was leaked, the Israel Water Authority released an official statement saying “The Water Authority and the National Cyber ​​Array are updating that an attempt has recently been made on the command and control systems of the water sector. The attempted attack was handled by the Water Authority and the National Cyber ​​Array.”

“It should be emphasized that there was no damage to the water supply and it is operating and being operated as normal,” the Water Authority added.