Operator of large pipeline that carries fuel across East Coast says it was victim of ransomware attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — The operator of a major pipeline system that transports fuel across the East Coast says it’s been victimized by a ransomware attack and has halted all pipeline operations to deal with the threat. Experts say the attack is unlikely to affect gasoline supply and prices unless it leads to a prolonged shutdown of the pipeline. Colonial Pipeline isn’t saying what’s been demanded or who’s made a demand. Ransomware attacks are typically carried out by criminal hackers who seize data and demand a large payment in order to release it. The attack underscores again the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.