The EPA has urged water systems to take actions to protect the country's drinking water, warning that cyberattacks against U.S. water utilities are becoming increasingly frequent.

Cyberattacks against water utilities across the country are becoming more frequent and more severe, the Environmental Protection Agency warned Monday.

The EPA said about 70% of utilities inspected by federal officials over the past year violated standards meant to protect cyberattacks.

Because water utilities often rely on computer software to operate treatment plants and distribution systems, protecting information technology and process controls is crucial, the EPA said.

Cyberattacks against water utilities across the country are becoming more frequent and more severe, the Environmental Protection Agency warned Monday as it issued an enforcement alert urging water ...