Pipeline Executive Felt Cornered by Ransomware Attack

The top executive for the biggest fuel pipeline operator in the United States told lawmakers he felt like he had no choice but to pay off hackers after a ransomware attack shut down operations along the East Coast. 

Testifying Tuesday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Colonial Pipeline Chief Executive Joseph Blount took responsibility for agreeing to pay the Russian-based DarkSide Network approximately $5 million to minimize potentially disastrous delays to fuel delivery.  "I know how critical our pipeline is to the country, and I put the interests of the country first," Blount said.  "It was the hardest decision I've made in my 39 years in the energy industry," he added. "We wanted to stay focused on getting the pipeline back up and running. I believe with all my heart it was the right choice to make."