How can a pipeline be hacked?

For many people, the image of the oil industry is one of pipes, pumps and greasy black liquid.

In truth, the type of modern operation Colonial Pipeline runs is extremely digital.

Pressure sensors, thermostats, valves and pumps are used to monitor and control the flow of diesel, petrol and jet fuel across hundreds of miles of piping.

Colonial even has a high-tech “smart pig” (pipeline inspection gauge) robot that scurries through its pipes checking for anomalies

Source: BBC Technology News

Date: May 14th, 2021

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-57063636

Discussion

1. What other types of businesses are ” extremely digital”?
2. Colonial Pipeline ended up paying $5m to not release sensitive data. What sort of message does this send hackers?