Cyberattacks on Two Oil Tankers Prompt Coast Guard, FBI to Board Vessels
US Coast Guard and FBI boarded two oil tankers after cyberattacks disrupted engines, navigation, and communications; suspected Iranian involvement remains unconfirmed.
Two tankers bound for Texas, including the Liberian-flagged VL Prosperity, were boarded by Coast Guard and FBI Cyber Action Team personnel after cyberattacks during their voyages. An August 7 intrusion allegedly reached the engine room, slowing coolant flow, raising engine speed, interfering with fuel delivery, and cutting communications for about 30 hours. Investigators confirmed evidence of a malicious cyber actor but have not attributed the attacks, with Iranian state involvement suspected but unverified. The Coast Guard has conducted 40-50 similar boardings in the past year and recently established an Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy.
- Attack on VL Prosperity reportedly occurred August 7 near the Strait of Gibraltar, per Iranian media
- Hackers reached the engine room, altering coolant flow, engine speed, and fuel delivery
- Ship communications were cut for roughly 30 hours; navigation and cargo systems were accessed
- Coast Guard confirmed a malicious cyber actor was present; attribution to Iran unconfirmed
- Boarding was one of 40-50 cyber inspections by the Coast Guard in the past year
- Products
- VL Prosperity
- Threat actors
- Iran (suspected, unconfirmed)
- Organizations
- US Coast Guard
- Countries
- United StatesIran
From the original article
3 min read at securityweek.com
The Coast Guard confirmed evidence of malicious cyber activity on the VL Prosperity, but has not attributed the attack to Iran. The post Cyberattacks on Two Oil Tankers Prompt Coast Guard, FBI to Board Vessels appeared first on SecurityWeek.
By Eduard Kovacs · securityweek.com
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