The largest oil pipeline network in the US was hacked

Colonial Pipeline, America’s leading fuel pipeline operator, has had to shut down its entire network after a cyber attack by ransomware.
“Colonial Pipeline is working on verification and resolution of the cyber attack. At this point, our main focus is on safely and efficiently restoring service to normal operations.” Colonial Pipeline released a statement.

The US has opened an investigation into this cyber attack. Ransomware is a type of malware designed to lock down a system by encrypting data and demanding a ransom from the victim to regain access. Colonial Pipeline asked a cybersecurity company to coordinate with federal law enforcement agencies to investigate this cyberattack. President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident. The White House said Washington will work to help the Colonial Pipeline resume the interrupted fuel supply. This is considered the largest cyber attack on the US energy system Colonial Pipeline is providing nearly half of the fuel for the US east coast. This is considered one of the largest ransomware attacks ever recorded against US energy infrastructure. The shutdown of the largest fuel pipeline network in the United States will cause the price of this item and related products to spike. Colonial Pipeline transports 2.5 million barrels of gasoline and other fuels per day through 8,850 kilometers of pipeline connecting Gulf Coast refineries to the eastern and southern United States. The company also supplies fuel to several major US airports, including Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta, which has the world’s largest passenger traffic.