Security News > 2021 > May > US declares emergency after ransomware shuts oil pipeline that pumps 100 million gallons a day

One of the USA's largest oil pipelines has been shut by ransomware, leading the nation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to issue a regional emergency declaration permitting the transport of fuel by road. The Colonial Pipeline says it carries 100 million gallons a day of refined fuels between Houston, Texas, and New York Harbor, or 45 percent of all fuel needed on the USA's East Coast.

The pipeline carries fuel for cars and trucks, jet fuel, and heating oil.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's emergency declaration was issued on Sunday evening, US time, and states it is necessary to relieve shortages.

At the time of writing the pipeline remained closed, although a Sunday evening update to Colonial's announcement said some "Smaller lateral lines between terminals and delivery points" have been restored.

Despite such warnings not being novel, Colonial Pipeline appears not to have worked towards short recovery time objectives.

In a statement on May 10 fingering the culprits of the attack, the FBI said "The Darkside ransomware is responsible for the compromise of the Colonial Pipeline networks. We continue to work with the company and our government partners on the investigation."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/05/10/colonial_pipeline_ransomware/