Federal cybersecurity officials are warning of a growing threat to the computer systems that operate water and wastewater utilities, highlighting another hazard Tampa Bay communities must prepare for alongside hurricanes and severe weather.
Why it matters: Tampa Bay depends on reliable water infrastructure before, during and after tropical systems. While emergency managers spend months preparing for storms, cyberattacks are emerging as another risk that could disrupt essential public services.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said it has seen a significant increase in hackers targeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the industrial computers that help operate water treatment and wastewater facilities.
Federal officials said attackers have, in some cases, changed passwords, locked operators out of systems and disconnected equipment from utility networks.
The latest
The warning follows coordinated cyber incidents that targeted more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota. The FBI said similar incidents affecting water utilities have been reported in several states.
Officials said drinking water remained safe, but some utilities experienced operational disruptions and had to restore systems manually.
Tampa Bay preparedness
For Tampa Bay, the advisory reinforces that disaster preparedness extends beyond hurricanes. Water utilities must now prepare for both natural disasters and cyber incidents that could affect critical infrastructure.
Experts recommend utilities regularly update cybersecurity protections, secure operational technology networks, test backup systems and maintain response plans that allow essential services to continue if digital systems are compromised.
Bottom line: As hurricane season enters its busiest months, federal officials say protecting water systems means preparing for more than wind and flooding. Cyber resilience is increasingly becoming part of overall disaster preparedness for Tampa Bay's critical infrastructure.