American Water Works targeted in cybersecurity incident

By James Rogers

American Water Works learned of the activity on Oct. 3.

American Water Works Co. (AWK) recently disclosed "unauthorized activity within its computer networks and systems," according to an SEC filing.

The public utility company determined the activity to be the result of a "cybersecurity incident," the company noted. The Camden, N.J.-based company learned of the activity on Oct. 3, it said. "Upon learning of this activity, the Company immediately activated its incident response protocols and third-party cybersecurity experts to assist with containment and mitigation activities and to investigate the nature and scope of the incident," American Water Works added.

The company said it notified law enforcement and is coordinating fully with them. "The Company has taken and will continue to take steps to protect its systems and data, including disconnecting or deactivating certain of its systems," American Water said in the filing. "The Company currently believes that none of its water or wastewater facilities or operations have been negatively impacted by this incident," it added.

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American Water Works said that, although it is "currently unable to predict the full impact of this incident," it does not expect the incident will have a material effect on the company, or its financial condition or results of operations.

American Water Works' stock is up 0.3% in premarket trades. The stock is up 8% in 2024, compared with the S&P 5OO Index's gain of 20.6%.

In a letter to state governors earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned that drinking water and wastewater systems are an attractive target for cyberattacks.

-James Rogers

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10-07-24 0741ET

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