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May 18, 2021
5:41 PM ET
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The cybersecurity attack on the Colonial Pipeline in early May caused major disruptions across the eastern United States, but experts warn similar attacks could occur in the future as much of the nation’s energy infrastructure remains vulnerable.
Multiple states and Washington, D.C. experienced widespread gas shortages after hackers targeted the Colonial Pipeline, which transports more than 100 million gallons of gasoline daily. The shortages led several governors to declare states of emergency and motorists formed long lines at the few remaining stations with gas.
The FBI confirmed that hackers associated with the group DarkSide deployed ransomware against the pipeline company’s business systems. The pipeline network shut down out of concern the malware that infected its back-office functions could spread to the pipeline’s operating system or make it difficult to charge suppliers for fuel transported along
Colonial Pipeline paid a $5M ransom – but will that only invite other malware hacks?: If the payments stop, the attacks will stop Dennis Wagner, USA TODAY
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The reported ransom payment by a beleaguered U.S. oil pipeline company to cyber hackers may spur even more criminal malware attacks on critical U.S. targets, according to cybersecurity experts, and could fuel calls for a ban on such payments.
The critiques stem from a decision by Colonial Pipeline, a gasoline delivery company, to pay more than $5 million for control of its computer system from a criminal syndicate known as Darkside.
Colonial Pipeline cyberattack: Should ransomware payouts be banned? usatoday.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from usatoday.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin will receive $700 million less than initially expected in federal coronavirus relief money and it will arrive in two payments a
Why Biden s speech before Congress isn t called the State of the Union By Caroline Linton What to expect in Biden s address to Congress
President Biden on Wednesday will deliver a speech before a joint session of Congress, a speech that is typically called the State of the Union. The tradition of a president addressing Congress is set forth in the Constitution, which designates that the president shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.
But Mr. Biden s speech will not be designated a State of the Union address. In fact, the previous six presidents did not call their first message before a joint session of Congress the State of the Union, according to the Congressional Research Office. These speeches, given in the first few months of a new presidency, typically occur soon after the inaugural address. As a result, every presi