Colonial Pipeline, operator of a
pipeline stretching 5,500 miles, was forced
to shut down after a ransomware attack in early May. In a disturbing
example of the vulnerability of the United States’ energy infrastructure, 45
percent of the East Coast’s fuel supplies were suddenly halted in an effort to
contain the assault.
Since the early 1960s, the vital
pipeline has provided gasoline and jet fuel to customers across the East Coast.
About 2.5 million barrels of gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel are
transferred each day through the pipeline. The hack showcases the vulnerability
of the aging infrastructure which is connected to the internet.
Ransomware attacks have soared
recently, shutting down the District of Columbia police department, hospitals
treating COVID-19 patients, and nearly crippling water treatment plants. Cybersecurity
experts expect a rise in ransomware or hacker-backed virtual attacks since they
can implement automation and utilize cryptocurrency, making it harder to target
the perpetrators.
The Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), Energy Department, and the White House were immediately
briefed on the hacking details. Corporate computers were targeted by
ransomware, which means that criminals hold data until the victim turns over a
payment. The FBI focused its attention on the hacking group DarkSide, who they
hold responsible for the ransomware incident. Colonial Pipeline ended up paying
the hackers roughly 75 bitcoin ($5 million) to get the gas flowing again.
Coincidentally, DarkSide reported
they are shutting
down due to “pressure” from the United States. According to the New York
Times, “A statement written in Russian and provided to The New York Times on
Friday [May 14] by the cybersecurity firm Intel 471, DarkSide said it had lost
access to the public-facing portion of its online system, including its blog
and payment server, as well as funds that it said had been withdrawn to an
unknown account. It said the group’s main web page and other public-facing
resources would go offline within 48 hours.”
Cybersecurity experts warned the
statement could be a hoax, allowing the members to deflect negative attention. If
they did, in fact, shut down, the threat from ransomware is not over. These
hacker groups often disband, regroup, and rebrand themselves in an effort to
thwart law enforcement.
Ransomware
isn’t just for big companies – hackers can target you, too.
Contact
the virus experts at CPS today if you suspect your computer has been
compromised.
Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems
provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and
code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital
marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid
advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and
professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data
backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or
e-mail info@cpsmi.com.
Written by the digital
marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.
