Cyber Expert Warns AI Supercharges Iran-Linked Attacks on US Water Systems

TrustedSec Founder and CEO Dave Kennedy, a former NSA hacker, appeared on Fox Business to address two major developments facing the cybersecurity industry. He discussed how artificial intelligence is rapidly enhancing offensive cyber tools, including automated vulnerability discovery and exploit generation. Kennedy also weighed in on suspected Iran-linked cyberattacks that struck water and wastewater systems across at least seven U.S. states in late July 2026. The coordinated assaults affected more than 30 facilities in Minnesota alone, along with systems in Michigan, South Dakota, and other states.

Federal investigators are examining strong evidence of Iranian connections amid heightened geopolitical tensions. These attacks targeted operational technology in critical water utilities, forcing some facilities into manual operations and raising alarms about the vulnerability of American infrastructure. Kennedy highlighted how AI could dramatically accelerate the speed and scale of such assaults, making it easier for state-sponsored actors to identify weaknesses and launch disruptive campaigns. The incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger defenses against foreign adversaries seeking to create chaos inside the United States.

As threats from regimes like Iran continue to evolve, experts stress that protecting essential services such as water systems must remain a top national priority. Kennedy’s insights reveal both the growing sophistication of offensive cyber tools and the real-world consequences when critical infrastructure is left exposed. Strengthening security measures and maintaining vigilance against state-sponsored cyber aggression will be essential to safeguarding American communities.