Coast Guard and FBI Investigate Possible Cyberattacks on Two Tankers
Summary
The Coast Guard and FBI boarded two tankers in the Gulf of Mexico after signs their networks were compromised. No operational disruptions or safety impacts have been reported; investigators are examining possible links to Iran.
Key points
- Authorities boarded two foreign commercial vessels in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 21 and Aug. 24 to assess their operational and IT systems.
- The agencies said they acted after indications that both vessels’ networks had been compromised.
- The first tanker reportedly lost communications for more than 30 hours after a hack in the Strait of Gibraltar.
- No operational disruption, vessel instability, crew danger, environmental impact, or port disruption has been reported.
- Investigators are considering whether Iran or another actor connected to the regional conflict was responsible; no attribution is established.
- Coast Guard cyber teams, law enforcement personnel, vessel inspectors, and FBI cyber operators took part in the boardings.
Article Details
- Victim Organization
- Unknown
- Incident Type
- Suspected cyber compromise of the operational and information technology networks of two unnamed foreign commercial tankers.
- Operational Impact
- Authorities reported no operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, environmental impacts, or port interruptions.
- Ransom Or Extortion
- None reported
- Claim Status
- alleged
Countries
IranInvestigators are examining possible links to Iran and broader risks tied to “dark fleets” carrying sanctioned oil.RussiaCoast Guard cyber teams have been investigating “dark fleets” carrying sanctioned oil from Iran and Russia, which rely on digital masking to hide their operations and carry enhanced cyber risks, The Wall Street Journal