'It's getting very nasty out there' | Greensboro tech expert explains why ransomware attacks are on the rise Ron Pierce, President of Trinity Solutions, Inc., says this kind of malware attack is becoming more common - in part - due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Author: Alma McCarty Updated: 6:14 AM EDT May 11, 2021 GREENSBORO, N.C. — Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline halted operations late last week, after a ransomware attack by a group of criminal hackers that calls itself DarkSide. Officials said Monday that the ransomware used in the attack did not spread to the critical systems that control the pipeline’s operation and that the shutdown was precautionary.