‘Unhealthy’ air quality expected in eastern Minnesota through Monday afternoon due to wildfire smoke

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Minnesota's water systems were attacked last week — and we weren't alone. Seven states were targeted in all. That's according to new reporting done by the New York Times over the weekend. The Times also reports that federal officials suspect Iran may be behind the attacks, although the investigation is still ongoing. 

Plymouth was one the cities that dealt with the cyber attack. Michael Thompson, public works director, says it wasn’t their drinking water systems that went offline but their sanitary system and two water towers.  

Thompson also shared with MPR News that since last week's attack, there have been more attempts to hack into Plymouth’s water systems, “even though there's been attempted intrusions since those have all been blocked, but we continue to monitor.”

Faisal Kaleem is a cybersecurity expert with Metro State University. He joined Minnesota Now to talk about the cyberattack. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on 

We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

Environmental News

Water

Shows

Minnesota Now with Nina Moini

On Air

Host

Author

Minnesota is believed to be one of seven states where municipal water systems were hacked. Faisal Kaleem, a cybersecurity expert with Metro State University, said many of the systems municipalities use are older, legacy programs that make them vulnerable to a cyberattack.

Minnesota is believed to be one of seven states where municipal water systems were hacked. Faisal Kaleem, a cybersecurity expert with Metro State University said many of the systems municipalities use are older, legacy programs that make them vulnerable to a cyberattack. 

Expert: Minnesota water systems need updating to prevent future attacks

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox