Ransom War - How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security

Ransomware endangers the safety of citizens and undermines international stability and prosperity. It is malicious software that restricts users from accessing their systems or data. Victims are coerced into making payments to restore access or prevent the release of sensitive information.

The issue presents formidable challenges to national security. In May 2021, Colonial Pipeline, a Georgia-based company managing a large portion of the petroleum, diesel, and jet fuel transportation along the U.S. East Coast, fell victim to a ransomware attack. Within just two hours, the cybercriminals stole nearly 100 gigabytes of data while successfully encrypting the company''s billing system, demanding millions of dollars in exchange of a decryption tool to restore service. Colonial Pipeline suspended its operations, triggering panic-driven hoarding and fuel scarcity in various states, most notably North Carolina and Georgia. In response to this crisis, the Biden Administratio