Colonial Pipeline Outage in the United States Highlights Risks to Energy Supplies

  • The Colonial Pipeline system, which supplies nearly half the fuel consumed along the east coast of the United States, fell victim to a ransomware attach, highlighting the need for stronger cyber security measures. 
  • The security breach led to a temporary shutdown, causing gas shortages and price hikes. 
  • The situation illustrates how automizing and digitizing every aspect of infrastructure to aid in the transition towards cleaner energy systems can give rise to potential cyber-security risks. 
  • Policymakers have to develop resilient policies and systems that can prevent, withstand, adapt and recover from such attacks, without disrupting critical infrastructure operations or impeding the transition towards cleaner energy.

Click to read more: https://www.iea.org/commentaries/colonial-pipeline-outage-in-the-united-states-underscores-risks-to-energy-supplies