Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto de Barretos

The Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto de Barretos (SAAEB) provides water supply and sewage treatment services to the municipality of Barretos in São Paulo state, Brazil. It manages the collection, treatment, and distribution of potable water for residential, commercial, and public consumers. The organization also oversees the collection, treatment, and safe disposal of wastewater generated within its service area. SAAEB operates under the regulatory oversight of the state sanitation agency, adhering to quality and environmental standards. Its core mission is to ensure universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for the community.

As an autonomous municipal entity, SAAEB enjoys administrative and financial independence from the local government. This autonomy enables the organization to set its own tariffs, plan investments, and make operational decisions without direct municipal interference. SAAEB focuses on continuous improvement of its infrastructure, aiming to expand coverage and enhance service reliability. The organization places importance on maintaining high standards of water quality and environmental protection in its treatment processes. Its reliance on information technology for operational management was highlighted by a recent cyber incident that tested its resilience.

On July 1, 2025, SAAEB confirmed that its servers were accessed without authorization, leading to the encryption of internal files and a ransom demand for their release. The agency stated that the intrusion was isolated and that, thanks to up‑to‑date backups, it began restoring data immediately while technical staff worked to bring systems back online. It emphasized that no sensitive information was leaked and that additional security measures are being implemented to prevent further attempts. The incident underscores the importance of cybersecurity preparedness for essential public utilities that rely on digital systems. SAAEB’s response demonstrates a commitment to maintaining service continuity despite cyber threats.