Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack (2021)
The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack occurred in May 2021, impacting one of the largest fuel pipeline systems in the United States. A ransomware group known as DarkSide was responsible for the attack.
The Colonial Pipeline is a significant piece of energy infrastructure in the United States. Stretching over 5,500 miles, the pipeline system spans from Houston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, to the New York Harbor area. The pipeline can transport more than 3 million barrels of gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other refined products per day. It services seven airports and numerous military installations.
The Colonial Pipeline plays a crucial role in supplying fuel to the U.S. East Coast, servicing an estimated 50 million consumers daily. It supplies roughly 45% of the fuel consumed on the East Coast, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for the region’s energy security and economic stability.
The attack on the Colonial...