This is a developing story.

We received confirmation yesterday that the US Department of Justice was notified by law enforcement in Shelby County about two water plants having their computers hacked in Herrick and Assumption, Illinois.  Herrick is in Shelby County and Assumption is in Christian County.

We understand the Herrick plant was locked out of its automated computer systems that monitor the water treatment facility and the computer programs that adjust the levels of chlorine and fluoride.  We do not know at this time if Assumption experienced the same issue.

We have issued Freedom of Information Act requests to both places to get more information and are awaiting their response.

What we have been told is, “The Computers have received a message referencing the current Hamas/Israel conflict and accuses the water district of aligning with Israel and alludes to the fact that the infrastructure there is related to items produced in Israel.”

CNN broke a story on December 1, 2023, about numerous water plants being hacked.  They indicated those plants were all using the same industrial equipment, (article here).  While we do not know if these hacks may be connected, the message the plants allegedly received indicated infrastructure is related to items produced in Israel.

We will update as we know more.

*Original full-text article online at: https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2023/12/two-central-illinois-water-plants-allegedly-hacked-accused-of-aligning-with-israel/

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