Russian hackers claim responsibility for cyberattack on Tipton plant

TIPTON — Russian hackers are claiming responsibility for a cybersecurity attack on a wastewater treatment plant in Tipton.

Tipton Municipal Utilities General Manager Jim Ankrum, according to Tribune newsgathering partner WTHR, said the Tipton West Wastewater Treatment Plant was the target of the cyberattack the night of April 19. Notably, the attack caused minimal disruption to the operation of the plant and did not impact the city’s main treatment plant and drinking water plant.

The Russian hacker group “People’s Cyber Army of Russia” claimed responsibility for the cyberattack in a Telegram post.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said in a statement that it “applauds the quick work” of plant employees to “secure the facility” after the cyberattack. An investigation by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is underway.