Previous All Posts Next

Hackers Shut Down US Gas Facility for Two Days

Posted: February 20, 2020 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Ransomware, Malware, Data Breach

Hackers used a spear-phishing campaign to successfully target an undisclosed natural gas compression facility here in the US, leading to a two-day closure.

Their network and data were encrypted with ransomware, which essentially shut down the company's control and communication abilities. While CISA did not provide many details about the virus involved, it appears that the powering down of operations was purposeful, so they could restore their backups.  It is unknown if a ransom was paid; hopefully not, considering they did have backups at the ready.

Distressing Trend

Attacks on the energy sector are increasing.  In fact, less than two weeks before this occurrence, the security firm Dragos, reported a new ransomware called Ekans (Snake backwards), which is seemingly designed just for this sector! Additionally, the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center announced earlier this month that protecting the infrastructure of the energy sector is a top national security concern. Which is why CISA is releasing details about this latest known attack.  The energy sector needs to take note and plan for a cyberattack as if one is inevitable.

Getting Prepared

CISA advises all organizations should take the following precautions sooner rather than later:
  • Create an Emergency Response plan and fail-over systems
  • Train employees not only what to do in an emergency, but also how to spot threats
  • Segment networks, which will help stop the spread of the virus if attacked
  • Implement:

Impact of Ransomware

Even though the unnamed natural gas company was somewhat prepared, it appears there where major gaps in their cybersecurity.  It did not close down the facility for good, but it did:
  • Cause them to lose the ability to access real-time data
  • Compromise Windows-based devices

What does this mean for your business?

Are you unsure of just how secure your cybersecurity measures are?  Schedule a free consultation now, or call us at 919-422-2607 for any questions you might have.

Protect Your Business Today

Petronella Technology Group has provided cybersecurity, compliance, and managed IT services from Raleigh, NC for over 23 years. Contact us today for a free consultation and technology assessment.

Need help implementing these strategies? Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.
Get Free Assessment
Explore Our Services
Cybersecurity AI Services Compliance HIPAA CMMC Managed IT

Related Articles

NIST CSF 2.0: What Changed, Why It Matters, and How to Update Your Cybersecurity Program [Video + Guide] NIST CSF 2.0: What Changed, Why It Matters, and How to Update Your Cybersecurity Program [Video + Guide] Incident Response Planning: Build a Cyber Incident Response Plan That Actually Works in 2026 [Video + Guide] Incident Response Planning: Build a Cyber Incident Response Plan That Actually Works in 2026 [Video + Guide] Email Security for Business: Stop Phishing, BEC, and Email-Based Attacks Before They Cost You Millions [Video + Guide] Email Security for Business: Stop Phishing, BEC, and Email-Based Attacks Before They Cost You Millions [Video + Guide] Network Segmentation Guide: How to Contain Breaches and Protect Critical Systems with Proper Network Design [Video + Guide] Network Segmentation Guide: How to Contain Breaches and Protect Critical Systems with Proper Network Design [Video + Guide]

About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
Related Service
Protect Your Business with Our Cybersecurity Services

Our proprietary 39-layer ZeroHack cybersecurity stack defends your organization 24/7.

Explore Cybersecurity Services
Previous All Posts Next
Free cybersecurity consultation available Schedule Now