Colonial Pipeline Company fell victim to a cyber attack that resulted in 5,500 miles of its US fuel pipelines being shut down, causing public distress and fears of fuel shortages. The attack was attributed to the ransomware group “DarkSide”, but was likely conducted by one of its affiliates. The group responded quickly to the attack, claiming that DarkSide’s only motive is financial gain, and that they do not want to create problems for society. They also announced that the group will begin approving or denying encryption of any companies the group’s affiliates want to target, to avoid future social consequences. Regardless of such efforts to distance the group from the attack, the consequences could be significant for DarkSide; the involvement of US government agencies and law enforcement will likely add pressure to the group’s operations, and the arrest of DarkSide’s members and/or the responsible affiliate is a realistic possibility.
Want To Try Our Digital Risk Protection Tool?
Get Started FreeOther content in this Stream
Weekly Intelligence Summary 17 June 2022
Main story: Attackers seize Microsoft zero-day for malware dissemination, espionage
Weekly Intelligence Summary 29th Apr
Main story: Russian cyber attacks on Ukraine: Where’s the boom?
Weekly Intelligence Summary 22nd Apr
Main story: Karakurt Hacking Team moonlights as Conti side business
Weekly Intelligence Summary 14th Apr
RaidForums takedown sends cybercriminals scrambling
Weekly Intelligence Summary 25th Mar
Maverick extortionist group Lapsus$ goes after big tech
Weekly Intelligence Summary 18th Mar
US executive order pushes for responsible cryptocurrency use
Weekly Intelligence Summary 11th Mar
The Russia-Ukraine war has triggered a resurgence of hacktivism around the world
Weekly Intelligence Summary 4th Mar
The US government has issued an alert about the Iran-linked "MuddyWater" advanced persistent threat group
Weekly Intelligence Summary 25th Feb
Conti ransomware group aims to ascend with new tools, structure
Weekly Intelligence Summary 18th Feb
US DoJ arrests shine light on ease and impact of cryptocurrency laundering