COLONIAL PIPELINE

A portion of the Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline in the U.S., has been restarted days after being shut down due to a Virginia diesel fuel leak.

DANVILLE, Va. — (AP) — A diesel fuel leak in Virginia shut down part of the Colonial Pipeline, the nation’s largest fuel pipeline, which supplies roughly half the fuel consumed on the East Coast, but it is expected to restart Saturday, the company said. And while this particular line is shut down, the rest of the system is operating normally, spokesperson David Conti said in an email. Crews are fixing equipment that failed at the Witt booster station near Danville, Colonial said in a statement. Colonial transports gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and home heating oil from refineries located on the Gulf Coast through pipelines running from Texas to New Jersey. Its pipeline system spans more than 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers), transporting more than 100 million gallons (378 million liters) a day.

There are enough miles of pipelines around the world to circle the Earth 30 times — and many are vulnerable. That doesn't mean there aren't things countries can do to protect them, an expert says.

Small business owners consistently leave cybersecurity off their list of top risks. The level of threat is higher than they think, and customers are worried.

President Biden said "evolving intelligence" showed Russia is "exploring options for potential cyberattacks." The U.S. has previously warned about Russia's capability to attack U.S. infrastructure.

U.S. authorities are expecting arrests and criminal charges related to ransomware in the coming weeks.

The broadcast giant, which is known for pushing a conservative viewpoint, did not immediately say how many of its TV stations were directly affected.

Sinclair Tribune FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2004, file photo, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.'s headquarters stands in Hunt Valley, Md. Sinclair Broadcast Group said Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, that it's suffered a data breach and is still working to determine what information the data contained. The Baltimore company owns and/or operates 21 regional sports network and owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets. The Hunt Valley, Maryland-based company owns and/or operates 21 regional sports network and owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets. Sinclair said it currently can't determine whether or not the data breach will have a material impact on its business, operations or financial results.

During an epidemic of ransomware attacks, the U.S. is sitting down to talk cybersecurity strategy this week with 30 countries while leaving out one key player: Russia. The country that, unwittingly or not, hosts many of the criminal syndicates behind ransomware attacks around the world was not invited to a two-day meeting starting Wednesday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) (Susan Walsh)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Amid an epidemic of ransomware attacks, the U.S. is sitting down to talk cybersecurity strategy this week with 30 countries while leaving out one key player: Russia. “We’ve had several, and they continue, and we share information regarding specific criminal actors within Russia, and Russia has taken initial steps,” the official said. Most of this week's ransomware meeting is expected to be private as participants attend sessions led by India, Australia, Britain and Germany and will focus on themes such as developing resilience to withstand ransomware attacks.

Amid an epidemic of ransomware attacks, the U.S. is discussing cybersecurity strategy with 30 countries while leaving out one key player: Russia.

Urgent efforts to decarbonize global industries will be expensive and will ultimately create jobs, Granholm underscored on Wednesday.

The Treasury Department wants to disrupt the financial underpinnings of the ransomware ecosystem by cutting off the flow of money to hackers.

In a joint advisory, the FBI and CISA said they "observed an increase in highly impactful ransomware attacks occurring on holidays and weekends — when offices are normally closed."

Hurricane Ida Makes Landfall In Louisiana Leaving Devastation In Its Wake A family waits to pump gas after Hurricane Ida passed through on August 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — Gas prices may go up soon following Hurricane Ida, the fifth-strongest hurricane ever to hit the mainland. >> Read more trending newsAlmost 95% of oil and gas production facilities across the South were forced to shut down operations before Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug. 29. Analysts say the storm might result in a 5 to 10 cent increase in gas prices for a short period. Zandi also said that the increase in pump prices might last for only a few weeks.

Exxon Mobil said crews were starting to resume normal operations at its Hoover platform in the Gulf of Mexico, which managed to avoid storm damage. And the company said its fuel terminal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, restarted operations Monday. The refineries that are beginning to restart operations weren’t in the heart of Ida’s path and didn’t lose power, making the task of restarting much more manageable. Energy and chemical companies throughout the region have been surveying damage since Ida barreled onshore Sunday, bringing ferocious winds and heavy rain. All told, nine Louisiana refineries, which collectively account for about 13% of the nation's refining capacity, were forced to close, at least temporarily, by the storm, the U.S. Energy Department said Tuesday.

Tropical Weather Homes are flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Lafitte, La. Entergy said a crew of at least 20,000 will take several days to assess the damage in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana caused by Hurricane Ida’s landfall on Sunday. Energy and chemical companies throughout the region were surveying damage. Exxon Mobil said its Baton Rouge Fuels Terminal in Louisiana reopened operations Monday while its Hoover platform in the Gulf of Mexico suffered no storm damage and crews are starting to resume normal operations. Meanwhile, Philips 66's refinery in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, remained shut down as of late Monday.

Oil companies began gradually to restart some of their refineries in Louisiana, and key fuel pipelines fully reopened, providing hopeful signs that the region’s crucial energy industry can soon recover from the blow of Hurricane Ida.

Storm shut down 95% of oil and gas production in the Gulf Coast and disrupted fuel deliveries.

At least four of the nine oil refinery's in Ida's path are believed to have paused their operations ahead of the storm. AAA says it's too early to know the full impact until power is restored.

But impact could deepen if the storm leads to a prolonged shutdown of Gulf Coast energy facilities.

All eight transmission lines carrying electricity into New Orleans and parts of surrounding parishes failed during Hurricane Ida, according to the utility, Entergy.

Stocks are rising on Wall Street Monday, keeping major indexes near the record highs they set last week.

The meeting follows a wave of cyberattacks that have brought added urgency to security issues.

Officials from Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, IBM and ADP will be at the White House on Wednesday, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Officials from Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, IBM and ADP will be at the White House on Wednesday, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Pipeline Cybersecurity Attack File - In this May 11, 2021 file photo, a Colonial Pipeline station is seen in Smyrna, Ga., near Atlanta. The Department of Homeland Security has announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Biden administration is taking steps to harden cybersecurity defenses for critical infrastructure, announcing on Wednesday the development of performance goals and a voluntary public-private partnership to protect core sectors. The partnership was launched as a pilot program in April with electricity utilities, and another plan is underway for natural gas pipelines. The partnership is voluntary, though the administration has not ruled out the possibility of mandatory requirements in the future, the official said.

Pipeline Cybersecurity Attack File - In this May 11, 2021 file photo, a Colonial Pipeline station is seen in Smyrna, Ga., near Atlanta. The Department of Homeland Security has announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Biden administration is eyeing ways to harden cybersecurity defenses for critical infrastructure, announcing Wednesday the development of performance goals and a voluntary public-private partnership to protect core sectors. It comes as federal officials have been promoting greater cybersecurity resiliency among private companies, including announcing new requirements and protections for pipeline operators last week. The partnership is voluntary, though the administration has not ruled out the possibility of mandatory requirements in the future, the official said.

The Biden administration is eyeing ways to harden cybersecurity defenses for critical infrastructure.

Pipeline Cybersecurity Attack File - In this May 11, 2021 file photo, a Colonial Pipeline station is seen in Smyrna, Ga., near Atlanta. The Department of Homeland Security has announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast. In a statement, DHS said it would require operators of federally designated critical pipelines to implement “specific mitigation measures” to prevent ransomware attacks and other cyber intrusions. U.S. agencies on Tuesday also disclosed that Chinese government-linked intruders targeted 23 natural gas pipeline operators from 2011 to 2013.

Pipeline Cybersecurity Attack File - In this May 11, 2021 file photo, a Colonial Pipeline station is seen in Smyrna, Ga., near Atlanta. The Department of Homeland Security has announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast. In a statement, DHS said it would require operators of federally designated critical pipelines to implement “specific mitigation measures” to prevent ransomware attacks and other cyber intrusions. DHS did not immediately release further details about the guidance, which comes after another directive issued weeks after the May 7 attack on Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast.

From Southampton to Palm Beach, these homes won't be on the market for long Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

Inside the hacks that lock down computer systems and damage businesses.

Kaseya, the IT company that was hit with a massive ransomware attack shortly before the July 4 holiday weekend, said the attack hit as many as 1,500 businesses but could have been much bigger.

The federal government has long struggled to attract top cybersecurity experts who work for large tech companies.

Paying cryptocurrency like bitcoin to end ransomware attacks is a decision many companies say is the only choice, even if the funds can help hackers get better.

The increased investment in cybersecurity follows a steady drumbeat of ransomware attacks that have directly impacted Americans and hampered services.

Attorneys said the “sudden and calamitous event” cost gas stations business.

Attorneys said the “sudden and calamitous event” cost gas stations business.

Attorneys said the “sudden and calamitous event” cost gas stations business.

The cruise giant says it has notified affected people and set up a call center to answer questions.

Lawmakers had called for Biden to get tough with Putin during their summit.

A quarter of businesses surveyed ultimately shut down, with nearly one in three losing top leadership, either by dismissal or resignation, and 29% forced to eliminate jobs.

Ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting companies’ computer systems, demanding money in exchange for returning access and data. How should the U.S. respond?

Unauthorized activity on McDonald's network exposed the personal data of some customers in South Korea and Taiwan, the company says. No customer payment information was exposed.

House FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray testifies before the House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Capitol Hill, Thursday, June 10, 2021, in Washington. “It is our policy, it is our guidance, from the FBI, that companies should not pay the ransom for a number of reasons,” Christopher Wray testified under questioning from members of the House Judiciary Committee. Besides the fact that such payments can encourage additional cyberattacks, victims may not automatically get back their data despite forking over millions, “and that's not unknown to happen,” Wray said. In ransomware attacks, hackers lock up and encrypt a victim's data and demand a payment in order to return it. The Justice Department has said it was able to recover the majority of the ransomware payment after locating the virtual wallet used by the hackers.

FBI Director Christopher Wray says the bureau discourages ransomware payments to hacking groups even as major companies in the past month have participated in multimillion-dollar transactions aimed at getting their systems back online.

The FBI's director told lawmakers Thursday that the bureau discourages ransomware payments to hacking groups even as major companies in the past month have participated in multimillion-dollar transactions aimed at getting their systems back online. “It is our policy, it is our guidance, from the FBI, that companies should not pay the ransom for a number of reasons,” Christopher Wray testified under questioning from members of the House Judiciary Committee. In ransomware attacks, hackers lock up and encrypt a victim's data and demand a payment in order to return it.

Ransomware, a program that hackers use to hold digital information hostage, has become the top choice of malware for criminals.

Cybercriminals are using sophisticated malware to attack companies' IT systems, and they are demanding ransom payments in digital currencies

MacKenzie Sigalos breaks down bitcoin's latest turn lower after the FBI recovered most of the ransom Colonial Pipeline paid criminal group Darkside.

Security experts warn that future hacks of American companies could disrupt the U.S. food supply.

NEW YORK — (AP) — New York City's law department was been hit with a cyberattack that forced officials to take the 1,000-lawyer agency offline, but Mayor Bill de Blasio said he believes no data was compromised in the hack. “As the investigation remains ongoing, the City has taken additional steps to maintain security, including limiting access to the Law Department’s network at this time,” de Blasio spokesperson Laura Feyer said in a statement. “We do fully expect the law department IT environment will be securely reestablished promptly so the law department can get back to the business of serving New Yorkers,” he said. “I think people should realize this is something that’s going to be with us for quite a while,” de Blasio said. “And we’re going to have to do a lot to focus on it and constantly protect ourselves.”Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Joseph Blount told senators that authorizing the payment to hackers was the right thing to do to bring an end to the pandemonium and fuel shortages.

The CEO of Colonial Pipeline, during his first appearance before lawmakers, took full responsibility for the decision to pay a multimillion-dollar ransom to criminal hackers who penetrated the company’s networks in May.

Joseph Blount said the decision to pay hackers a $4.4m (£3.1m) ransom was the toughest in his career.

He's expected to tell members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee how his company responded when it was hit by a major cyberattack last month.

A pipeline company CEO is making no apologies for his decisions to abruptly halt fuel distribution for much of the East Coast and pay millions to a criminal gang in Russia as he faced down one of the most disruptive ransomware attacks in U.S. history.

The Justice Department has recovered the majority of a multimillion-dollar ransom payment to hackers after a cyberattack that caused the operator of the nation’s largest fuel pipeline to halt its operations last month.

The operator of the nation’s largest fuel pipeline has confirmed it paid $4.4 million to a gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems.

The operator of the nation’s largest gasoline pipeline that was hit with a ransomware cyberattack says it has resumed normal operations and is now delivering millions of gallons of fuel per hour.

President Joe Biden has warned gasoline stations not to engage in price gouging as motorists wait for fuel to start flowing reliably through the Colonial Pipeline.

Central Florida is seeing fallout from a cyber-attack that forced the nation's largest gas pipeline to shut down.

The Florida governor issued an emergency order Tuesday evening as drivers quickly drained pumps in fear of a gas shortage tied to the Colonial Pipeline closure.

The nation’s largest fuel pipeline restarted operations, days after it was forced to shut down by a gang of hackers.

A cyberattack on a critical U.S. pipeline is sending ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure.

The operator of a major U.S. pipeline hit by a cyberattack says it hopes to have service mostly restored by the end of the week.