American Water pauses billing after cyberattack

The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States announced Monday that it was the victim of a cyberattack that prompted the firm to pause billing to customers.

New Jersey-based American Water — which provides services to more than 14 million people in 14 states and on 18 military installations — said it became aware of the unauthorized activity on Thursday and immediately took protective steps, including shutting down certain systems. 

The company does not believe its facilities or operations were impacted by the attack, and said staffers were working "around the clock" to investigate the nature and scope of the attack.