The cyberattack that led Alpharetta-based Colonial Pipeline to shut down much of its operations over the past week has led to a shortage of gas in some parts of Georgia and across the southeastern U.S.
The company says it hopes to restore full operations by the weekend, which means the pain and inconvenience for drivers will likely be only temporary.
But those who study the energy industry and cybersecurity say the risk of a larger, more devastating attack on the nation’s infrastructure remains high.
“Part of planning is to think through the worst-case scenario,” said Jay Hakes, who worked under President Clinton and served on President Obama’s BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission.