FBI, Coast Guard boarded hacked oil tankers heading toward US coast

Key Points:

• U.S. Coast Guard and FBI cybersecurity teams boarded two oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico between August 21-24 after hackers reportedly compromised the vessels' networks, affecting navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems.
• One of the tankers identified is VL Prosperity, a large oil tanker carrying over 2 million barrels of oil, which experienced interference with its speed, fuel systems, and lost communications for more than a day during its voyage from Egypt to the U.S.
• The U.S. is investigating potential Iranian involvement in the cyberattacks, amid a backdrop of escalating cyber conflicts following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and subsequent retaliatory hacking campaigns by Iranian-backed groups.
• Despite the cyber intrusions, authorities reported no operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts, and the ship’s captain, crew, and onshore staff cooperated fully with investigators.
• The incident highlights vulnerabilities in the complex IT networks aboard large shipping vessels and oil tankers, underscoring risks to global logistics and maritime security from cyber threats.