Top US Fuel Pipeline Operator Shuts Whole Network After Cyberattack
Voice of America
09 May 2021, 04:05 GMT+10
NEW YORK - Top U.S. fuel pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline has shut its entire network after a cyberattack that industry sources said was caused by ransomware software.
Colonial's network supplies fuel from U.S refiners on the Gulf Coast to the populous eastern and southern United States.
The company transports 2.5 million barrels per day of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other refined products through 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles) of pipelines, and it transports 45% of the East Coast fuel supply.
The malicious software used in the attack was ransomware, two cybersecurity industry sources familiar with the matter said. Ransomware is a type of malware that is designed to lock down systems by encrypting data and demanding payment to regain access. The malware has grown in popularity over the last five years and is most often deployed by cyber-criminal groups.