Hackers Seize Control of Oil Tanker Systems Heading Toward U.S.

U.S. Coast Guard and FBI cybersecurity teams boarded two oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico after signs that hackers had compromised their onboard networks. According to a joint statement shared with TechCrunch, at least one vessel had its navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems interfered with, prompting an urgent inspection between August 21 and 24. CBS News confirmed that one of the ships was VL Prosperity, a massive tanker capable of carrying over 2 million barrels of oil. Reports suggest the vessel lost communications for more than a day and experienced manipulation of its speed and fuel systems while traveling from Egypt to the United States. U.S. officials are investigating whether Iran is behind the attack, following a series of recent Iranian-linked cyber incidents targeting U.S. infrastructure and companies. These include hacks on medical device maker Stryker, Los Angeles mass transit, and over a hundred water facilities. Despite the severity of the intrusion, authorities stated there were no operational disruptions or physical danger to the crew. The incident highlights growing vulnerabilities in maritime logistics as ships rely on increasingly complex digital systems.

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