Update: Normal ops for oil pipeline

WASHINGTON - The cyberattack that shut down Colonial Pipeline Company’s major fuels supply system from the Gulf Coast to East Coast – over a distance of 5,500 miles - comes after years of repeated warnings to industry. Some came as recently as the past two weeks. The attack has a great impact on the U.S.’ critical infrastructure, according to cybersecurity experts. Colonial issued a statement May 10 saying it is dedicating “vast resources to restoring pipeline operations quickly and safely.” The company’s goal is to restore pipeline services by the end of this week. The U.S. Department of Energy is leading the federal government response, according to Colonial. The cybersecurity company FireEye is also said to be assisting. The cyberattack began May 6 when a cyber-criminal group called DarkSide stole Colonial data. They followed on May 7 by deploying ransomware on Colonial’s IT networks. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure is generally assumed to be the work of a foreign government, which is why DarkSide's alleged involvement is remarkable. DarkSide is a ransomware for profit group that is believed to operate out of Eastern Europe, with elements potentially inside Russia, according to security researchers. However, security researchers have yet to discover any direct links to the Russian government. (Source: Breaking Defense 05/10/21) https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/pipeline-cyberattack-follows-years-of-warnings/

MISSISSIPPI NOTE: Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson urged Mississippians not to “panic   buy” gasoline. He says the Colonial Pipeline supplies less than 30 percent of the fuel in Mississippi.  River terminals at Vicksburg, Greenville and Aberdeen continue to get an “abundant supply” of the product. The state’s land terminals are continuing to fill orders. The Plantation Pipeline is increasing supply and the Pascagoula Chevron Refinery is operating without disruption, he says. (Source: Magnola State Live 05/11/21)

UPDATE2: Colonial Pipeline - the nation's largest gasoline pipeline that was hit by a ransomware attack May 7 - announced May 15 it has resumed “normal operations." The Georgia-based firm said in a tweet" “Since that time (May), we have returned the system to normal operations, delivering millions of gallons per hour to the markets we serve.” Those markets include Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “All of these markets are now receiving product from our pipeline,” the company said. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told The Associated Press on Friday that the nation is “over the hump” on gas shortages, with about 200 stations returning to service every hour. (Source: The AP 05/15/21)