**Hackers Breach American Water Works' Systems; Company Assesses Impact**

Hackers have infiltrated the computer networks of American Water Works, a major provider of drinking water and wastewater services, affecting over 14 million people. The New Jersey-based utility discovered the unauthorized activity last Thursday and promptly enacted security measures, including shutting down specific systems to limit the breach's impact, according to a regulatory filing on Monday.

Despite the proactive steps taken, American Water Works has stated that it is currently unsure about the full extent of the breach's implications on its operations. The company emphasized that they have not observed any disruptions to their facilities or services so far. "In an effort to protect our customers' data and to prevent any further harm to our environment, we disconnected or deactivated certain systems. There will be no late charges for customers while these systems are unavailable," an American Water spokesperson told CBS News via email.

The utility company is working tirelessly to investigate the scope and nature of the cyber-attack. Law enforcement has been notified, and American Water Works is collaborating closely with authorities in this ongoing investigation.

American Water Works stands as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., catering to residents across 14 states and even maintaining services on 18 military installations. The breach occurs amid rising concerns from U.S. officials about potential cyber threats from Chinese intelligence agents targeting crucial infrastructure, including water-treatment facilities. Recently, a cyberattack against U.S. broadband providers has also been linked to the Chinese government, further heightening the alarm.