CISA, NSA, and Partners Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory on Threat Activity Targeting Siemens S7 Series PLCs Across Multiple U.S. Critical Infrastructure Sectors

08/19/2026 11:30 AM EST

The National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Energy (DOE), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued a joint Cybersecurity Advisory warning of threat activity targeting Siemens S7 Series programmable logic controllers (PLCs) across U.S. critical infrastructure, Defending Against an Active Threat to Siemens S7 Series PLCs. The sectors most targeted include Critical Manufacturing, Energy, Water and Wastewater Systems, Chemical, Food and Agriculture, and Commercial Facilities. Successful exploitation could disrupt critical industrial processes and cause safety incidents, equipment damage, sensitive data compromises, compliance violations, and cascading impacts across interconnected systems.

The advisory details cyber threat actors using AI-generated exploitation scripts disguised as legitimate monitoring tools and leveraging internet scanning services to find exposed PLCs vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations using Siemens S7 Series PLCs should inventory devices, apply critical patches, ensure PLCs are not accessible from the internet, strengthen access controls, monitor for unauthorized activity, harden PLC services and protocols, and hunt for anomalies that may indicate compromise.

Organizations should also assess exposure across all PLCs and operational technology (OT) devices in their environments. Although this advisory focuses on Siemens S7 Series PLCs, the broader risk to OT devices, including PLCs, extends beyond Siemens products to other manufacturer devices.

Read more: Defending Against an Active Threat to Siemens S7 Series PLCs | CISA

WISCONSIN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RELEASE: Federal Grant Opportunity Open for Wisconsin Communities Facing Cybersecurity Risks For Immediate Release Contact: dmawempio@widma.gov MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), in partnership with the Department of Administration’s Division of Enterprise Technology (DET), is announcing the grant application period opened August 17 for government agencies at risk of a cybersecurity incident due to the age or condition of their IT cybersecurity infrastructure. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is a federal grant administered by WEM and DET that provides support for units of government that meet certain criteria. This funding opportunity can be used on cybersecurity-related activities, including purchase and installation or activation of multifactor authentication (MFA), managed detection and response (MDR), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and extended detection and response (XDR). The full list of eligible activities can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://wem.wi.gov/wisconsin-emergency-management-wem-notice-of-funding-opportunity-nofo-state-local-cybersecurity-grant-program-slcgp-cycle-3-funding-fy2024/ Eligible government agencies include counties, municipalities, local public authorities, school districts, special districts, intrastate districts, councils of government, regional or interstate government entities, agencies or instrumentalities of a local government, authorized tribal governments and organizations, rural communities, unincorporated towns or villages, and other public entities. This is the third of four cycles of funding made available and the last cycle that has no cost share requirement. Future cycles of funding for this grant will have a 40% cost share requirement. The deadline to apply for this cycle of funding under the SLCGP is October 30, 2026. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their agency’s/organization’s need for cybersecurity improvements based on the results of a vulnerability scan, previous impactful cybersecurity incidents, and/or legal mandates or audit findings. FEMA, WEM, and DET guidance for the grant opportunity, including application requirements, are available online at fema.gov/grants/preparedness/state-local-cybersecurity-grant-program , https://wem.wi.gov/state-and-local-cybersecurity-grant-program-fy-24-cycle-3-funding-opportunity/ , and det.wi.gov/Pages/Cybersecurity_Grants.aspx . Questions and feedback about the grant and application process should be submitted to SLCGP@wi.gov . To see this content online, copy the following link and paste in your browser: https://wem.wi.gov/federal-grant-opportunity-open/

View online: WISCONSIN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RELEASE: Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance for April storms and flooding | Wisconsin Emergency Management

For immediate release
Contact: dmawempio@widma.gov

MADISON, Wis. – Disaster survivors from severe storms and flooding that occurred April 13-23 have two weeks remaining to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA home disaster loan. The deadline to apply for either federal assistance is Monday, August 31, 2026.

Homeowners and renters in Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago counties and the Oneida Nation with uninsured damage to their primary home, personal property loss or disaster-related emergency needs may be eligible for federal assistance.

To be considered for FEMA funds, you’ll need to complete an application, even if a FEMA assessment team visited your home in May or if you called 211 to report damage to your home after the floods. Start the application process by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. You can also apply in person at a disaster recovery center. Find a center by visiting fema.gov/drc.

Check heating systems

It may still be summer but if you were impacted by April storms, take time now to ensure your furnace and water heater are operating safely and are not damaged. FEMA grants may be available to help repair those items and replace them if they were destroyed by floodwaters.

If you received a FEMA grant for repair of your furnace or water heater and later discovered those items need replacing, you can use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. Applicants have 60 days to appeal and must submit a letter with a verified contractor’s estimate for replacement of the furnace or water heater. 

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision or the amount of money provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim. You have 60 days from the date of your letter to appeal.

At the end of your FEMA letter, look for an appeal form that can be used to send FEMA additional information about your situation. This form can help make sure you have the information FEMA needs and gives you space to explain why you need assistance.

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account.

Other ways to submit documents include:

• In-person: If you need assistance to upload documents, you can head to a Disaster Recovery Center near you. Use the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locator at FEMA.gov/drc.
• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
• Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

All documents you send to FEMA as part of your appeal should include your:

• Full name
• Current phone number and address
• Disaster number and nine-digit FEMA application number written on all pages, and
• Address of the disaster-damaged home.

For more information on the FEMA appeal process visit FEMA.gov/appeal.

To learn more information about Wisconsin’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4923.

U.S. Small Business Administration deadline for businesses approaching

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also provides physical disaster and Economic Injury Disaster Loans to businesses impacted by April storms and flooding. Businesses in the designated counties are eligible to apply for physical disaster loans until Aug. 31, 2026.

Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to the designated counties and Oneida Nation as well as contiguous counties including  Adams, Ashland, Calumet, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Douglas, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Langlade, Lincoln, Monroe, Oconto, Ozaukee, Pepin, Portage, Richland, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Taylor, Trempealeau, Walworth, Washburn, Waushara, and Wood counties through March 30, 2027.

More information on the SBA loans available for Wisconsin homeowners, renters, and business owners can be found at https://www.sba.gov/disaster

Image: FOX 6

Wildfire smoke is becoming an increasingly important preparedness concern for Southeast Wisconsin—and an emerging issue for organizations planning for summer health hazards and extreme weather.

The Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SEWI COAD) will explore this growing risk during its upcoming General Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 10, from 10:00–11:30 a.m.

The meeting is open to organizations interested in learning more about this topic or becoming a COAD member. There is no cost to attend or become a member. More information can be found at: www.sewicoad.org. 

Featured Presentation: Incorporating Wildfire Smoke Events into Summer Health Hazard Planning

This July, Southeast Wisconsin experienced its most severe wildfire smoke event to date, pushing air quality into the “hazardous” category.

As wildfire smoke becomes a more frequent concern in the Midwest, organizations may need to consider how poor air quality affects their employees, clients, facilities, operations, communications, and the communities they serve.

Danika Hill-Paulus, Co-Executive Director of MKE FreshAir Collective, will discuss Milwaukee’s air quality, the health impacts of wildfire smoke, and community-driven approaches to reducing health disparities during poor air quality events.

The presentation will also provide an opportunity to consider how wildfire smoke can be incorporated into broader extreme weather, emergency preparedness, and organizational resilience planning.

Also on the Agenda

The meeting will include:

• Disaster recovery updates
• Upcoming training and exercise opportunities
• Partner connections and discussion

Meeting Details

Thursday, September 10, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Waukesha County Emergency Management
In-person with a virtual option

REGISTER FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10 MEETING

About SEWI COAD

The Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SEWI COAD) is a regional network that brings nonprofit, government, faith-based, private-sector, and other community organizations together to strengthen coordination before, during, and after disasters. Learn more at www.sewicoad.org. 

SAVE THE DATE!

• SWHSP Education Session
• Tuesday, October 13, 2026
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Paul Davis Restoration, Waukesha

VIEW EVENT FLYER

When Cyber Strikes: Communicating with Confidence

Join us for an interactive workshop focused on organizational readiness for cyber incidents. Using real-world case studies, we'll examine how organizations have navigated cyber incidents, from initial response through recovery. This session will spotlight the critical role of communication, both internal and external, in response to a cyber incident, and driving recovery.

Through breakout discussions, attendees will identify their own gaps and leave with best practices to strengthen planning. Whether your plans are already established or just getting started, this session will help you think of response actions beyond cybersecurity and IT – sharpening your organization’s response and recovery.

Registration Coming Soon!

For questions, contact: swhsp.info@gmail.com. 

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Milwaukee County

MILWAUKEE – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open tomorrow in Milwaukee County to assist individuals who have uninsured losses or emergency needs related to the April 13 – 23, 2026, storms and flooding. At the Milwaukee County DRC, impacted residents can speak to representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) to get help applying for federal assistance, receive updates on your FEMA application for assistance, and learn about the appeals process. The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is August 31, 2026. 

The center will open Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and will remain open until further notice. Locations and hours are as follows:

Northwest Health Center
DRC is located on the lower level
7630 W. Mill Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53218

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sundays

Those visiting the DRC can enter the Northwest Health Center through the front entrance and take the stairs down to the lower level. Individuals unable to use stairs should enter through the back entrance and ring the doorbell for access to the elevator. Signage will be available to help direct visitors.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses. 

Milwaukee County survivors who apply for FEMA assistance will receive a letter by mail or on their DisasterAssistance.gov account. If the letter says you “cannot be approved” for some categories of assistance, it does not mean that you have not been approved for assistance.

It is important to read the letter carefully as it will explain your application status and advise what you need to do to continue the process.

You are not required to go to a Disaster Recovery Center to receive FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is by going online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language DisasterAssistance.gov/es. You can also call 800-621-3362. After applying, create an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es to check your status tracker for updates and upload documents requested by FEMA to move your application forward.

If you need more information or additional help:

• Download the FEMA app to complete your application and find other resources.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Visit county.milwaukee.gov/Storm-Recovery-Resources for more information about resources and assistance in Milwaukee County

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance. 

Wisconsin residents impacted by the April 13-23 2026 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding may now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance following the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration issued on June 30, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Individual Assistance is available to eligible survivors in the following areas:

• Bayfield County
• Brown County
• Buffalo County
• Jackson County
• Jefferson County
• Juneau County
• Kenosha County
• Manitowoc County
• Marathon County
• Milwaukee County
• Outagamie County
• Racine County
• Rock County
• Sauk County
• Vernon County
• Washington County
• Waukesha County
• Waupaca County
• Winnebago County
• Oneida Nation

Apply as Soon as Possible

The fastest and easiest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also apply by calling 800-621-3362.

The deadline to apply is August 31, 2026.

Even if you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should still apply. FEMA may be able to provide assistance for eligible disaster-related needs after your insurance claim has been reviewed.

Disaster Recovery Centers Coming Soon

FEMA will also open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where survivors can receive in-person assistance with the application process and recovery resources.

Locations and hours will be announced as they become available. You do not need to wait for a DRC to open before applying. Applying online or by phone now can help begin the recovery process sooner.

Recovery Resources

Eligible applicants may qualify for assistance with disaster-related needs such as:

• Temporary housing
• Home repairs
• Personal property losses
• Accessibility needs
• Cleanup and sanitization
• Other eligible disaster-related expenses

Additional information regarding recovery resources, including assistance available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), will be shared as those services become available.

Find more information at: 4923 | FEMA.gov

WISCONSIN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RELEASE: Federal Grant Opportunity Open for Wisconsin Nonprofit Organizations Facing Security Risks

For Immediate Release
Contact: dmawempio@widma.gov

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is announcing the application period for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is now open. The grant program is for nonprofit organizations that may be at risk of a terrorist attack due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.

The NSGP is a federal grant administrated by WEM that provides support for nonprofit organizations that are operating a facility in Wisconsin. This funding opportunity can be used on security-related activities, such as planning, exercises, training, contracted security personnel, and the acquisition and installation of security equipment.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their nonprofit organization is at risk for a terrorist attack due to ideology, beliefs, or mission. They must also be able to provide a written vulnerability/risk assessment that identifies security gaps within their organization, along with detailed information about the specific threats, the vulnerabilities that exist and the potential consequences if action is not taken.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 NSGP is July 15, 2026. Completed applications should be submitted to NSGP@widma.gov.

FEMA and WEM guidance for the grant opportunity, including application requirements, are available online at https://wem.wi.gov/tag/nonprofit-security-grant/.

Webinars for application information have been scheduled; no pre-registration is necessary please click the links below or visit https://wem.wi.gov/nsgp/ for access.

• July 2, 2026: 11:00am – 12:00pm
• July 8, 2026: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
• July 10, 2026: 11:00am – 12:00pm
• July 13, 2026: 11:00am – 12:00pm

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying can register for more information at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDMA/signup/14269 or contact NSGP@widma.gov.

About Wisconsin Emergency Management

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. Its mission is to build capabilities and coordinate resources to support a safe and resilient Wisconsin. Through planning, training and exercising WEM prepares themselves, Wisconsinites, and response personnel to minimize the loss of lives and property. It also operates the ReadyWisconsin public safety campaign.

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On June 9–10, 2026, the Southeast Wisconsin Homeland Security Partnership (SWHSP), in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Business Resiliency Professionals of Wisconsin (BRPW), hosted the 2026 Buisiness Continuity & Resilience Conference at Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee. The free, two-day conference brought together professionals from government, nonprofit, and the private sector to strengthen organizational resilience through collaboration and shared learning.

Attendees participated in presentations and discussions covering a wide range of topics, including business continuity, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, emergency management, crisis communications, supply chain resilience, and lessons learned from recent incidents. The conference also provided opportunities to network with peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across sectors.

SWHSP extends its sincere appreciation to our presenters, sponsors, planning partners, and attendees for helping make this year's conference a success. The willingness of organizations to share their expertise and experiences continues to strengthen preparedness and resilience throughout Southeast Wisconsin.

Presentation materials shared by speakers are now available on our Conference Resources page.

May 27, 2026

READYWISCONSIN RELEASE: Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin is June 3

For immediate release
Contact: dmawempio@widma.gov
DHSMedia@wisocnsin.gov

MADISON, Wis. – With the officials start of summer just weeks away, it is important to prepare now before temperatures rise. To help Wisconsinites prepare, Gov. Tony Evers is declaring June 3 as Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin.

“Extreme heat is something people should prepare for before hotter temperatures arrive,” said Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “Now is the time to have a plan, check on loved ones, and ensure you know what you need and what to do to stay safe and cool this summer.”

Last year, there were 10 heat-related deaths, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS). Preliminary data also shows there were 1,004 heat-related emergency department visits in the state from May 1 to September 30.

“Every heat-related death or heat-related illness is preventable. Taking simple precautions before and during heat events, such as staying hydrated, seeking cool spaces, and learning the signs of heat-illness, can help all of us stay safe during the summer,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and Division of Public Health administrator. “Heat doesn’t affect everyone equally. Older adults, young children, people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and those without reliable air conditioning face disproportionate risk. Heat Awareness Day is a call to ensure no one is left behind when temperatures rise.”

ReadyWisconsin and WI DHS recommend following these tips to beat the heat and stay safe during heat waves:

• Remain inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day. Call 2-1-1 to find an accessible cooling location near you.
• If you don’t have air conditioning or a basement, take a cool shower, soak your feet in cold water, or place a cool, wet cloth on your forehead. Keep your windows covered to avoid direct sunlight.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, caffeinated or high-sugar drinks. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Never leave a child or pet unattended inside a parked car. On an 80°F day, temperatures in a vehicle parked in direct sunlight can climb almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
• Limit your pet’s time outdoors and make sure they have access to fresh drinking water.
• Seek medical attention right away if you develop heat stroke symptoms such as confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, body temperature above 104°F, or nausea and vomiting.
• Check in with loved ones and neighbors during heat waves, especially if they last a few days. Check for signs of heat illness and make sure they are cool and hydrated.

During periods of intense heat, each National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office issues different types of watches, warnings and advisories for heat-related alerts as conditions warrant.

• Extreme Heat Warning: An extreme heat warning is issued when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105°F or higher and not to go below 75°F for a Heat Index the morning prior or after. Check in with loved ones and neighbors during heat waves, especially if they last a few days. If the maximum heat index will be between 100-104°F for four days in a row, a warning will be issued.
• Extreme Heat Watches: Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event within the next one to three days.
• Heat Advisory: A heat advisory is issued when the heat index temperature is expected to be 100°F or higher. If the maximum heat index will be between 95-99°F for four days in a row, then an advisory will also be issued.

The National Weather Service also uses HeatRisk. This experimental tool is supplemental to official NWS heat watches, warnings and advisories to provide guidance to decision makers and those who are sensitive to heat. It provides a forecast of the potential level of risk for heat-related impacts to occur over a 24-hour period. HeatRisk has been available in the Western United States since 2014 and was expanded across the contiguous United States in 2024.

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