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Cyberattack Knocks Braham Water Plant Offline

State officials are investigating attackers who disabled computerized operating controls with several other Minnesota utilities reporting similar disruptions.

Overview

  • The City of Braham said a malicious cyberattack shut down computerized operating controls and stopped the well and water treatment operations on Monday.
  • Local public works crews restored the system later the same day and officials reported no physical damage and that treated drinking water remained safe for residents.
  • Braham officials said they were told at least four other Minnesota communities experienced the same type of attack and Minnesota IT Services and state investigators are assisting the response.
  • The city administrator asked that Braham’s system vulnerability study be reevaluated to identify and fix exposed weaknesses in operational technology such as legacy control hardware and software.
  • The episode follows other recent Minnesota local-government cyber incidents and highlights how small utilities with aging control systems can prompt broader state audits and increased support for remediation.