Ransomware attackers used compromised password to access Colonial Pipeline network

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Ransomware attackers gained access to Colonial Pipeline's computer networks in April using a compromised password, according to the company and a cybersecurity firm it hired

The password had been linked to a disused virtual private networking account used for remote access, FireEye confirmed to CNN, and the account was not guarded by an extra layer of security known as multi-factor authentication. Bloomberg first reported the password vulnerability following interviews with Charles Carmakal, senior vice president at Mandiant — the forensic division of FireEye — and Joseph Blount, Colonial's CEO.

Colonial Pipeline did not respond to specific questions about its password security protocol at the time of the ransomware attack, but said that the password reset process and complexity standards are automated. The password that was used was part of a batch of leaked passwords found on the dark web, according to Bloomberg's interview with Carmakal. But it's unclear how the hackers got the credentials for the remote access account.

 

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Is this result to cover up the weaknesses of CP system?

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