NSA and FBI warn of AI-assisted attacks on critical infrastructure controllers

The NSA, FBI, and other U.S. federal agencies on August 19, 2026, warned that hackers are using AI-assisted tools to attack critical infrastructure, with Siemens S7 Series programmable logic controllers as the specific target.

The Record reported that the campaign combines AI-generated hacking tools with exploitation of known vulnerabilities. CyberScoop described the threat as active, with the water sector among the industries facing exposure.

Siemens S7 Series PLCs are industrial controllers used to automate physical processes. CyberScoop said targeting these devices in this manner may be a first of its kind.