Critical infrastructure operators across the United States are increasing their security measures as tensions rise between Iran and Israel, with water systems particularly on high alert for possible cyber threats.
According to Politico, organizations managing essential networks that maintain basic services like water, electricity, and transportation are preparing for potential Iranian cyberattacks. While no major cyber threats have been reported yet, the concern grows as the conflict in the Middle East continues to develop.
“We don’t want to cause any undo panic, but for those members that aren’t already watching and aren’t already vigilant, we definitely want to amplify the message that the potential exists,” said Jennifer Lyn Walker, director of infrastructure cyber defense at the Water ISAC.
Past attacks on water systems raise concerns about current threats
The worry isn’t without reason. After the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, an Iranian government-linked hacking group, Cyber Av3ngers, successfully broke into multiple U.S. water facilities that used Israeli-made control panels. While these attacks didn’t disrupt water supplies, they showed how vulnerable these systems could be.
Ok so why are they asking the U.S. to get involved? If Israel is so good then they don't need the US military for support. Also why have they not taken Gaza(which is the size of Vegas)yet after little over a year and a half of fighting?
— c.w.d. (@cwd1595321) June 18, 2025
Water ISAC is planning to send an alert this week to its members, encouraging them to stay watchful. The organization is particularly concerned about easily compromised devices that might be targeted first in a cyber conflict with Iran.
Unlike previous times of international tension, federal agencies haven’t been as visible in coordinating security efforts. This might be due to changes at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is expected to lose about 1,000 employees and has been operating without permanent leadership since January.
The situation remains uncertain, especially as President Donald Trump considers how much to support Israel. According to Andy Jabbour, founder and senior adviser for the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, Trump’s decisions could influence what happens in the United States.
Critical infrastructure operators are staying alert, knowing that even if U.S. companies aren’t directly targeted, cyberattacks aimed at Israel could still affect U.S. systems due to global connectivity, while Iran’s broader capabilities raise additional concerns about multi-vector threats to American infrastructure.
