TOP NEWS : Cyberattacks on U.S.-Bound Energy Tankers

Cyberattacks on U.S.-Bound Energy Tankers

U.S. maritime security officials are investigating a series of cyberattacks that struck two energy tankers as they made their way toward Texas, prompting an unusual joint boarding operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the FBI.

According to U.S. officials, the cyberattacks hit the vessels last month while they were still traveling toward American ports. In response, Coast Guard personnel and FBI agents boarded both ships to assess the damage, investigate the source and method of the intrusion, and ensure the vessels posed no ongoing threat before continuing operations.

Energy tankers are considered critical infrastructure, and any successful cyber intrusion targeting their navigation, communication, or operational systems raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of maritime supply chains. The involvement of both the Coast Guard, which oversees port and vessel security, and the FBI, which handles cybercrime and national security threats, underscores how seriously officials are treating the incident.

Details about who was responsible for the attacks, what systems were compromised, or whether the tankers experienced any operational disruption have not been fully disclosed. However, the fact that federal agents needed to physically board the vessels suggests investigators wanted direct access to onboard systems and personnel rather than relying solely on remote forensic analysis.

The incident adds to a growing pattern of cyber threats facing the global shipping and energy sectors, which have become increasingly attractive targets for state-linked hackers and criminal groups due to their economic importance and, in some cases, weaker cybersecurity defenses compared to other critical industries.

Investigators are continuing to examine the tankers and determine the full scope of the breach.

Source: CBS News