(Drew Angerer/Getty Images) May 18, 2021 5:41 PM ET Font Size: 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 the pipeline.