When it comes to cybersecurity, the United States cannot catch a break. It seems the news is full of cyberattacks, one after another, and last week was no exception.
Colonial Pipeline, a Texas-to-New York connection that carries 45% of the East Coast’s fuel supply, announced Friday, May 7 that it was the latest target of a cyberattack. According to the pipeline, this attack involved ransomware, and as of Monday, May 10, the system was still shut down.
This attack and subsequent shutdown have fueled speculation about potential rising gas prices. As of yet, no such price hike has taken affect, but until the pipeline goes back online, increased prices are still a possibility.
Colonial Pipeline claims it is “developing a system restart plan,” while continuing service using smaller lines.
Cover photo by Quinten de Graaf on Unsplash
