Oil pipelines, banks, internet networks, hospitals, manufacturing plants, water-treatment systems. We don¡¯t have to imagine the damage hackers could wreak by paralyzing just one of these gears in the larger U.S. economic engine ¡ª we¡¯re seeing it play out this week at the gas pump.
Often all it takes is an oblivious worker clicking a tainted e-mail link, or an IT department getting momentarily lazy about computer-system hygiene. While we don¡¯t know exactly what led to the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, it¡¯s a reminder that every digitally connected company has vulnerabilities and that critical U.S. infrastructure makes for the juiciest target.
For a business that transmits fuel throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast and East Coast, it¡¯s easy to see how cybersecurity might slip down the list of concerns. Managers have to regularly worry about repairs to prevent oil leaks, on-the-job accidents, natural disasters, as well as pandemics ¡ª all risks listed in the annual filings of publicly traded pipeline operators. But devoting resources to cybersecurity now can save you a lot later.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.