Officials warn multiple pipeline companies of cyber attacks

Hackers have been targeting computer networks managing natural gas pipelines in a series of cyber attacks over the past several months, according to several media outlets. The Department of Homeland Security has been warning multiple pipeline companies of a “gas pipeline sector cyber intrusion campaign,” according to Christian Science Monitor. Peter Boogaard, a spokesman for the agency, told The Hill that Homeland Security officials are working with the FBI and other federal agencies to ward off the attacks, which appear to have started in December 2011. It has also been reported that the attacks were “related to a single campaign from a single source.” It was unclear what pipeline companies might have been targeted or what—if any—damage might have been caused by the ongoing attacks. The attacks are reportedly coming in the form of emails to specific employees at pipeline companies. The emails have been carefully crafted to appear to be sent from a close associate and typically contain a malicious software attachment or link that could give hackers a way to enter the computer system. The attacks come as Republicans and Democrats debate whether to require companies to meet minimum cyber security standards. Democrats and the White House have argued those standards could protect the vital pipeline network from potentially devastating cyber attacks, but Republicans say the mandates are unnecessary and would burden businesses.