US cybersecurity agencies, including CISA, the FBI and the NSA, have warned that hackers are using artificial intelligence to target vulnerable Siemens S7 programmable logic controllers, devices widely used to control automated processes in water systems, energy, manufacturing and agriculture. The warning is significant because it marks an escalation in ongoing attacks against America's water supply and wastewater infrastructure, with officials cautioning that disruption could cause downtime, safety incidents or equipment damage. Rural communities are considered especially at risk, since their water systems often cover large geographic areas and rely on the same poorly secured equipment.

According to the agencies, hackers are using AI to generate exploit scripts based on publicly available information, allowing them to more easily find and target controllers running outdated software or lacking proper security. CISA has long urged operators to keep such devices off the internet. The alert follows a string of suspected Iranian cyberattacks on US water and wastewater providers in recent months, with intrusions already reported at facilities in Minnesota, Michigan, Arkansas, Georgia and New Jersey.