Deluzio Calls on Congressional Committee to Support Stronger Cyber Defenses for America’s Water Sector

This call follows a recent cyberattack by Iranian hackers on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, in Deluzio’s Congressional District 
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of an Energy & Commerce Hearing on cybersecurity threats and the resilience of America’s drinking water systems, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) today sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee. His letter called on the committee to support stronger cyber defenses for water utilities in sectors across the country, and particularly to give the Environmental Protection Agency additional authority so it can coordinate with the sector to prepare for and build resilience against cyber threats. 

In his letter, Congressman Deluzio writes, “Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is of significant concern, and Congress must work in a bipartisan way to ensure water systems and others have the necessary protections. To that end, Congress should give the Environmental Protection Agency (the Sector Risk Management Agency) the tools and resources it needs to support and coordinate with the water sector to prepare for and build resilience against risks like cyber threats. I look forward to working with the Energy and Commerce Committee, as the committee of jurisdiction, to address this important issue and give our fellow Americans the peace of mind they ought to have that water systems and other critical infrastructure are secured.” 

On November 25, 2023, an Iranian-backed cyber group, the “Cyber Av3ngers,” attacked the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa by hacking Israeli-made equipment in the water system. The authority serves the City of Aliquippa and Raccoon, Potter, and portions of Hopewell Townships in Beaver County in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. While the attack did not interrupt residents’ water service or compromise their personal information, such incidents demonstrate the risks to American critical infrastructure and national security. 

In response, Congressman Deluzio penned a letter with Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman pushing for the Department of Justice to launch a criminal investigation into the cyberattack. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also published new guidance on the threat of IRGC-affiliated cyber actors to U.S. water and wastewater systems facilities, and suggested security measures and mitigations. 

The full text of today’s letter is available here. 

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