The largest pipeline system for refined oil products in the US, the Colonial Pipeline, was shut down last week after a ransomware cyberattack. On May 12, the pipeline initiated the restart of operations but the attack highlights the risk of cyber-security threats against important energy infrastructures. It was later reported that Colonial Pipeline paid nearly $5 million as a ransom to hackers after the company fell victim to the cyberattack.
Marcin Zaborowski, policy director of the GLOBSEC Future of Security Program, told New Europe on May 13 that companies must assume that sooner or later they will become cyber-security targets. They must invest in the state-of-the art security programs, which must be constantly updated,” he said, arguing that the blockchain technology provides best protection against unwanted interference of third parties.