Ransomware Attack Targets Minot Water Treatment Plant, Water Supply Remains Safe

• •The Minot Water Treatment Plant suffered a ransomware attack on March 14, 2026.
• •Water supply remained safe during the incident, with no ransom demand made.
• •The city is using the incident to enhance training and communication protocols.

On March 14, 2026, a ransomware attack affected a computer server at the Minot Water Treatment Plant in North Dakota. The city confirmed that staff detected the ransomware, which required them to revert to manual gauge readings for approximately 16 hours. During this time, the water supply remained safe and operational, with no ransom demand made by the attackers. A letter from the ransomware perpetrators was found on the compromised server, but it did not specify a ransom amount. The city has reported the incident to local, state, and federal authorities, including the FBI. The attack has prompted the city to identify opportunities for improved training and system design. The city manager expressed a desire for better crisis management coordination in future incidents.