BY OSWALDO GUZMAN
There was a ransomware cyberattack on a major pipeline May 7, 2021. The Colonial Pipeline, an American oil pipeline system that originates in Houston, Texas and carries fuel mainly to the Southeastern United States, suffered a ransomware cyber attack that impacted computerized equipment managing the pipeline. Tennessee saw gas prices go up following the cyber extortion attempt.
The attack on the Colonial Pipeline was made by a group known as “Dark Side.” The Colonial Pipeline transports gasoline and other fuel through 10 states between Texas and New Jersey, and also includes Tennessee. The issue has now been resolved and full functionality has been restored after the almost $5 million ransom was paid. Marc Diaz said, “I got gas before the cyberattack happened so I didn’t have to get gas but now it’s hard to find some places.” Elvis Huerta said, “ I didn’t get gas until Thursday or Friday because a lot of places were out. So, I had to wait until those days.” As of today, Weigels on the West end only carries regular grade, Ingles on the West end is completely out of fuel. BP on Panther Creek road has a $30 per car fill up limit.
