U.S. authorities investigate cyberattacks on energy tankers

cyberattack oil tankers maritime security energy transportation Strait of Gibraltar

The U.S. Coast Guard and the FBI are investigating suspected cyberattacks targeting two energy tankers bound for the United States. The incidents reportedly occurred while the vessels were transiting the Strait of Gibraltar.

On August 21, a specialized team of law enforcement and cyber protection officers boarded a foreign-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Mexico to inspect its operational and information technology systems. A second tanker, reportedly carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG), was boarded on August 24 for a similar assessment. One vessel reportedly lost communication for over 30 hours following the breach.

Authorities are investigating whether the attacks were carried out by Iran or another actor seeking to exploit geopolitical tensions. While Iranian state media has highlighted the incidents, U.S. officials have not officially attributed the attacks to any specific entity. Currently, there are no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts resulting from the breaches.

Entities

FBI · Federal Bureau of Investigation · Iran · Strait of Gibraltar · U.S. Coast Guard · VL Prosperity

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 10 SOURCES] The cyberattacks reportedly occurred while the vessels were transiting the Strait of Gibraltar. seacoastoldies.com · internewscast.com · abc30.com · pulse2.com · thecyberwire.com · +5 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Authorities are investigating whether Iran or another actor was involved in the cyberattacks. seacoastoldies.com · internewscast.com · abc30.com · pulse2.com · thecyberwire.com · +5 more
[● 10 SOURCES] U.S. officials boarded a foreign-flagged vessel on August 21 and another on August 24 to inspect operational and information technology systems. seacoastoldies.com · internewscast.com · abc30.com · pulse2.com · thecyberwire.com · +5 more
[● 10 SOURCES] The U.S. Coast Guard and FBI are investigating suspected cyberattacks on two tankers bound for the United States. seacoastoldies.com · internewscast.com · abc30.com · pulse2.com · thecyberwire.com · +5 more
[● 10 SOURCES] There have been no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts. seacoastoldies.com · internewscast.com · abc30.com · pulse2.com · thecyberwire.com · +5 more