US issues new security guidelines after Colonial Pipeline attack

The DHS statement said TSA is considering additional mandatory measures to enhance cybersecurity to protect the US fuel system.

Colonial Pipeline Company’s fuel tanks in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (Photo: AFP/VNA) US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 27 issued new security guidance for owners and operators of fuel pipelines. This move follows a cyber attack on the company’s fuel pipeline system Colonial Pipeline , leading to gas supply disruptions on the US East Coast this month. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said: “The recent malware attack on a major fuel pipeline shows that the cybersecurity of pipeline systems is a critical factor. pivotal to the homeland security of the United States.” Under DHS, owners and operators of fuel pipeline Key players will be required to immediately report confirmed and probable cyber-attacks to the Department of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security under their respective jurisdictions. DHS (CISA), and appoint a cybersecurity coordinator available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The issuance of the new guidance also requires fuel pipeline owners and operators to review current cybersecurity measures to detect any vulnerabilities, as well as remedial actions if necessary. there is a risk of a cyber attack. They must notify this result to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a unit of DHA, and CISA within 30 days. The DHS statement said TSA is considering additional mandatory measures to enhance cybersecurity to protect the US fuel system. Previously, on May 7, Colonial Pipeline announced that it was attacked by ransomware and forced to close some systems. This incident caused a large-scale supply disruption, causing thousands of gas stations on the US East Coast to fall into shortages and gasoline prices to the highest level since 2017. The US government has issued an order. state of emergency in 17 states and Washington, D.C. After more than 1 week of being affected, the Colonial Pipeline oil pipeline has returned to normal operation. Colonial Pipeline has publicly confirmed paying a ransom to restore computer networks. Meanwhile, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified DarkSide as the hacker group behind the attack.