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New York awards $9M to protect water systems after cyberattacks in other states
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Aug 3, 2026
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published Aug 3, 2026
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New York is investing more than $9 million to strengthen the cybersecurity of its drinking water and wastewater systems after hackers targeted water utilities in other states.
The funding comes after officials in Michigan and Minnesota reported cyberattacks targeting their water systems last week. The attempts, which did not disrupt drinking water service, are under investigation by the FBI.
The money will be awarded to 153 local government projects across New York through the state's SECURE grant program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.
"As we have seen with recent malicious cyberattacks on water systems across multiple states, these threats are real and escalating," Hochul said in a statement.
Water systems have increasingly become targets of cyberattacks because many rely on aging operational technology. In 2016, the U.S. Justice Department charged Iranian hackers in connection with a cyberattack targeting a small dam near New York City.
The grants build on New York's first-in-the-nation cybersecurity standards for drinking water and wastewater systems, announced in March, state officials said. The state also approved a $3.75 billion investment in water infrastructure in its latest budget.
Tagged
Health and Science
Politics
new york state
public safety
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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