Colonial Pipeline hack exposes cracks in US energy defense against cyberattacks
In the aftermath of the May 7 cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, fears of fuel shortages and higher gas prices led to panic buying in some areas, resulting in long lines at numerous gas stations as people hoarded gasoline.
Operator of the largest fuel pipeline in the US, Colonial Pipeline fell prey to a ransomware attack, and it ceased all pipeline operations as it sought to prevent the malicious software from spreading.
As of May 13, the company had restarted its pipeline system, saying that each of its markets would be receiving fuel that day but that it would take several days for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel supplies to return to normal.
This is the second time in 2021 an important facility in America's energy infrastructure experienced a significant outage affecting residents in multiple states.