Colonial Pipeline experienced a severe ransomware attack in 2021, leading to massive fuel distribution disruptions across the Eastern United States. The attack forced the company to halt operations to contain the breach, resulting in widespread fuel shortages, panic buying, and a significant spike in fuel prices. The company paid a ransom of approximately $4.4 million to regain access to their systems, although some of the payment was later recovered by law enforcement agencies. Despite the payment, the attack exposed vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure sectors and raised concerns about the preparedness of such entities against sophisticated cyber threats.
Source: https://cybersecuritynews.com/ransomware-attack-prevention-checklist/
"id": "col500041225",
"linkid": "colonial-pipeline-company",
"type": "Ransomware",
"date": "4/2025",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization’s existence"