Foreign Hackers Compromise Colorado Water Utilities' Security

WHO:

ABC News - Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that "foreign actors" targeted small, private water providers in Colorado.

ABC News - The impacted water systems served fewer than 200 people each.

WHAT:

Fox News - Foreign hackers breached two Colorado water utilities, altering pumping cycles and disabling alarms.

ABC News - The incidents involved changing equipment settings, disabling remote access and alarms, and altering pumping cycles.

ABC News - The risks from these incidents were quickly addressed by the providers, who subsequently alerted the state.

WHERE:

Fox News - The incidents occurred in Colorado, specifically involving two water utilities.

WHY:

ABC News - The Colorado governor's office indicated awareness of Iranian activity targeting water systems around the country.

ABC News - Over the summer, Iran was suspected in cyberattacks on water treatment and wastewater utilities.

HOW:

ABC News - The cyber intrusions can blind utility operators by changing passwords or disabling alarms.

ABC News - The FBI is urging utilities to disconnect systems from the internet where possible and to use systems with breakers.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 20:03 UTC)

In a concerning development, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced that foreign actors have targeted small, private water providers in the state, impacting systems that serve fewer than 200 people each. Foreign hackers breached two Colorado water utilities, altering pumping cycles and disabling alarms, but the risks were quickly addressed by the providers, who alerted state officials. The governor's office has noted awareness of Iranian activity aimed at water systems across the country, with the FBI advising utilities to disconnect from the internet where possible to enhance security.