Colonial attack increases call for oversight

摘要

The cyber ransom attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline for six days highlighted the vulnerability of pipeline infrastructure to hackers and is likely to lead to greater regulation to ensure pipeline security. Even as pipeline operators were working to restore systems, federal officials were making it clear that things will likely change. Richard Glick, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Commissioner Allison Clements said the attack “is a stark reminder” the federal government needs to take a more hands-on approach to pipeline security. In a statement, Glick said that while there are mandatory cybersecurity standards for bulk electric systems, there are no similar regulations for the United States’ oil, natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. “It is time to establish mandatory pipeline cybersecurity standards similar to those applicable to the electricity sector. Simply encouraging pipelines to voluntarily adopt best practices is an inadequate response to the ever-increasing number and sophistication of malevolent cyber actors,” Glick said. “Mandatory pipeline security standards are necessary to protect the infrastructure on which we all depend.”