Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack
Cyber attackAbout
The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack occurred in May 2021, targeting the largest refined oil products pipeline in the United States. The cyberattack, attributed to the DarkSide hacking group, resulted in significant disruptions to fuel supplies across the East Coast. Hackers gained access through a compromised VPN password, exploiting the lack of multifactor authentication. They stole approximately 100 gigabytes of data and infected the network with ransomware, affecting billing and accounting systems. The attack led to a five-day shutdown of pipeline operations, causing widespread fuel shortages and panic buying. Colonial Pipeline paid a ransom of 75 Bitcoins (approximately $4.4 million) to restore operations. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and prompted federal responses, including emergency declarations and regulatory reviews. The attack underscored the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect vital systems from similar threats.
