In 2021, a pipeline carrying half of the East Coast's gas stopped for 5 days. A faulty password was to blame.
The Colonial Pipeline, which flows from Houston to New Jersey, is a major point of entry for oil and gas flowing into the US. However, due to a bad password on a forgotten part of the pipeline's network, hackers were able to gain access to the pipeline's network, and were able to force the US government to pay a ransom to reopen it.
While your password may not be protecting something as important as a piece of major infrastructure, the risks still remain high. Your bank account, Social Security, pictures, videos, personal information, and so much more is at risk!
The world is becoming increasingly digital. As such, it's imperative that you follow good digital practices, like strong passwords, to make sure you can stay ahead in an ever-progressing world. |
Tanker trucks waiting to carry fuel that wan't allowed to flow down the Colonial Pipeline. Protecting your personal information is crucial, whether you're a person or government entity. |