The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced new pipeline cybersecurity requirements after a ransomware attack disrupted operations at Colonial Pipeline, the major US fuel pipeline transporting nearly half of the East Coast's fuel supply, earlier in May.

“The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving and we must adapt to address new and emerging threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

“The recent ransomware attack on a major petroleum pipeline demonstrates that the cybersecurity of pipeline systems is critical to our homeland security. DHS will continue to work closely with our private sector partners to support their operations and increase the resilience of our nation’s critical infrastructure.”

The Transportation Security Administration directive is designed to help DHS better identify, protect against, and respond to threats to critical companies in the pipeline sector.

The Security Directive requires critical pipeline owners and operators to report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents to the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). They are also required to designate Cybersecurity Coordinators available 24/7 and make an assessment of their current practices and identify any gaps and related remediation measures to address cyber-related risks and report the results to TSA and CISA within 30 days.

“TSA is also considering follow-on mandatory measures that will further support the pipeline industry in enhancing its cybersecurity and that strengthen the public-private partnership so critical to the cybersecurity of our homeland,” DHS wrote.

Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity defenses following a series of attacks on private companies and federal government networks that made headlines over the past year.