Did Russian hackers blow up a Texas LNG pipeline on June 8?

Published June 21, 2022 12:00am ET



<mediadc-video-embed data-state="{"cms.site.owner":{"_ref":"00000161-3486-d333-a9e9-76c6fbf30000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b93390000"},"cms.content.publishDate":1655834308372,"cms.content.publishUser":{"_ref":"0000017f-e2f4-de00-a7ff-e7fff8030000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"cms.content.updateDate":1655834308372,"cms.content.updateUser":{"_ref":"0000017f-e2f4-de00-a7ff-e7fff8030000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"rawHtml":"

var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_55824882", "obj": {"id":"27789","width":"16","height":"9","video":"1037363"} }); ","_id":"00000181-875c-d66a-a7c3-c77d198f0000","_type":"2f5a8339-a89a-3738-9cd2-3ddf0c8da574"}”>Video EmbedJune 23, 3:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time update. On Thursday, Freeport LNG provided the Washington Examiner with a statement: “While our ongoing investigation continues, a cyberattack was ruled out as the cause within days of the incident. After a thorough assessment of our network, our internal cyber detection systems have been confirmed to have been functioning properly and do not indicate any manipulation or compromise of our security solutions.” However, I understand that Freeport LNG does not have the Operation Technology/Industrial Control Systems network detection systems necessary to detect XENOTIME’s ICS-targeting TRITON malware. I asked Freeport LNG whether it has OT/ICS systems. Freeport did not respond to that specific inquiry, instead stating that its original statement “Stands. Nothing further.” Considering XENOTIME’s use of TRITON (reemphasized in an April 22 notice by the U.S. and its closest allies), unless Freeport LNG has OT/ICS network detection systems deployed appropriately and has completed a forensics investigation, a cyberattack cannot be ruled out. I understand that the federal government continues to investigate the incident. Update ends.

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