Iran may have been behind this week's cyberattack on dozens of municipal water systems in Minnesota.
That's according to a report in the New York Times, which cites three anonymous state officials who were briefed on the investigation.
U.S. officials say the tradecraft used and the absence of a ransom demand led analysts to tentatively conclude it was the work of Iranian hackers.
The FBI also saying several clues point to Iran's involvement, including Tehran's recent interest in targeting the U.S. water supply.
"The FBI is aware of recent public reporting around Water and Wastewater (WWS) sectors," they wrote in a social media post. "The FBI is actively engaged with victims."
They also say that the attack appeared focused on disruption rather than financial gain.
No water was contaminated, but it could have been much more severe according to Metro State cybersecurity professor Faisal Kalim, who adds they targeted operational technology like pumps and power sectors.
"OT deals with something called the industrial control system that actually controls these water pumps, wells, power sectors, and so on," says Kalim.
The investigation remains active, and Minnesota IT Services says they continue to assess affected systems which affected around 30 communities across the state.
