U.S. officials have launched investigations into suspected cyberattacks targeting two oil tankers heading to the United States, sources told ABC News. The incidents, which occurred last month, prompted the Coast Guard and FBI to take action to safeguard the vessels.
On August 21, a specialized team comprising Coast Guard law enforcement officers, cyber protection personnel, and an FBI cyber unit boarded one of the tankers in the Gulf of Mexico. Described as a foreign-flagged commercial vessel, the ship had been hacked while transiting the Strait of Gibraltar and experienced a loss of communications lasting more than 30 hours.
A joint statement from the agencies indicated that the measures were taken after evidence suggested the vessel’s network had been compromised by foreign cyber actors. Crew members cooperated fully with the investigation and were described as critical partners in mitigating the threats.
On August 24, a second tanker that had also been struck by a cyberattack was boarded by U.S. officials to conduct a similar assessment, according to sources.
Authorities are examining whether Iran or another entity sought to exploit the ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S. in connection with the attacks. Officials stressed that there are currently no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts.
Cyberattacks on commercial shipping are getting too common. Hope they fix the network gaps before something worse happens.
Is Iran really behind this? The timing with current tensions seems convenient for them, but evidence is key here.
Thirty hours without comms near Gibraltar is scary. Glad crews are safe and ships made it to port.