FBI, Coast Guard boarded hacked oil tankers heading towards US coast
FBI and Coast Guard boarded two US-bound oil tankers after hackers, possibly Iran-linked, compromised networks controlling navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems.
The FBI and US Coast Guard boarded two vessels in the Gulf of Mexico between August 21 and 24 after indications the networks of both ships were compromised. One tanker, the 333-meter VL Prosperity capable of carrying over 2 million barrels, was hacked on August 7 while traveling from Egypt, with interference in its speed and fuel systems and loss of communications for more than a day. Hackers reportedly took control of navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems on at least one vessel. US agencies are investigating possible Iranian involvement; no operational disruptions, physical danger, or environmental impacts were reported.
- Agencies boarded vessels in the Gulf of Mexico between August 21 and 24
- Hacked tanker identified as VL Prosperity, capable of carrying over 2 million barrels
- Hackers took control of navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems and cut communications
- US investigating possible Iranian involvement; CISA called related attacks opportunistic
- Threat actors
- Iran-backed hackers (suspected)
- Victims
- VL Prosperity
- Organizations
- FBIUS Coast GuardCISACBS News
- Countries
- United StatesIranEgypt
From the original article
2 min read at techcrunch.com
The feds are said to be investigating the compromise of the tankers' networks, which in one case interfered with one of the tanker's navigation and propulsion systems.
By Zack Whittaker · techcrunch.com
A short excerpt; the article and its images belong to the publisher. Summary, key facts and assessment above are AI-written from the article and can be wrong.