Event description

Hackers launched the largest cyberattack in the history of State F on the Tube oil and gas company. Its product pipeline was completely paralyzed, causing delays in fuel deliveries to the central and northern regions of the country. The supply of fuel to the airport was also suspended, since aviation kerosene (jet fuel) flows through this pipeline. Many transit flights were canceled as fuel stocks quickly ran out.

Cybersecurity experts concluded that the attackers had not only penetrated Tube’s network perimeter, but also gained access to the control systems for the transportation of petroleum products. They did so through a vulnerability in the system for reporting to top management. After the hack, the perpetrators released ransomware into the company’s network and halted the operations of the product pipeline, which transports around 60 percent of all fuel consumed in the country. The attackers demanded a ransom of 100 BTC, threatening to increase the amount if it wasn’t transferred to their account in three days.

A few days after the pipeline shutdown, most regions in State S experienced shortages of gasoline and diesel. About 90 percent of gas stations closed, and retail gasoline prices hit an all-time high. Panic gripped the general public, with people rushing to stock up on gasoline, further exacerbating the fuel scarcity. A state of emergency was declared in several regions.

Consequences

1. Enterprise closure
2. Financial damage
3. Loss of clients
4. Negative impact on industries across the state
5. Public discontent

This has happened before

CNBC

Pipeline outage forces American Airlines to add stops to some long-haul flights, Southwest flies in fuel

U.S. airlines and airports are scrambling to get fuel days after a cyberattack shut down the country’s largest refined fuel-products pipeline, including flying planes with extra supplies and adding refueling stops on long-haul flights.