Coordinated attack? Other companies join Colonial Pipeline in ransomware attacks as DarkSide says ‘sorry’?

Hackers were able to launch cyberattacks on more than 24 other companies across a range of industries after shutting down the Colonial Pipeline, according to reports. 

At least two dozen other victims – which have not been named – were also affected by the ransomware attack, Bloomberg reported. They were helped by private-sector companies and US agencies who helped disrupt the hack, the news agency said.  

The 5,500 mile Colonial Pipeline was shut down on Friday evening by the company when the ransomware attack was launched – seemingly by Russian-based cybercriminal group, DarkSide. Service was gradually being restored on Monday.

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On Monday DarkSide posted an apology on the dark web, Vice reported, and said they did not want ‘social consequences’, nor did they seek political influence.  

White House officials have warned the attack shows just how vulnerable the US is to such events. President Joe Biden said Monday: ‘We need to invest to safeguard our critical infrastructure.’ 

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the attack ‘tells you how utterly vulnerable we are’ to cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure.  

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HACKERS DIDN’T MEAN TO CREATE PROBLEMS?

This strange statement from the DarkSide who is considered the hackers at large:

“Our goal is to make money and not creating problems for society,” DarkSide wrote on its website.

HERE IS THE FBI STATEMENT ON THE COMPROMISE OF COLONIAL PIPELINE: The FBI confirms that 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.

MEANWHILE..

Repercussions.

Gas stations are running dry!

BLOOMBERG REPORTING:

Gas stations along the U.S. East Coast are beginning to run out of fuel as North America’s biggest petroleum pipeline races to recover from a paralyzing cyberattack that has kept it shut for days. From Virginia to Florida and Alabama, stations are reporting that they’ve sold out of gasoline as supplies in the region dwindle and panic buying sets in. An estimated 7% of gas stations in Virginia were out of fuel as of late Monday, according to GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan. The White House said in a statement it is monitoring the situation and directing government agencies to help alleviate any shortages. Colonial Pipeline Co. said it’s manually operating a segment of the pipeline running from North Carolina to Maryland and expects to substantially restore all service by the weekend.

NORTH CAROLINA: Governor Cooper has already declared a state of emergency.

DEVELOPING