From CBS News · Nicole Sganga · · 1m 20s
Coast Guard boards oil tanker after suspected cyberattack
Federal agents intercepted a Texas-bound oil tanker in the Atlantic after detecting a potential foreign breach of its systems.
In brief
Federal agents intercepted a Texas-bound oil tanker in the Atlantic after detecting a potential foreign breach of its systems. Modern oil tankers' internet-connected systems create vulnerabilities that could allow hostile actors to remotely control massive vessels. Originally reported by CBS News.
Feds board tanker mid-ocean
Coast Guard and FBI agents boarded a foreign-flagged oil tanker crossing the Atlantic on August 21 after detecting its network may have been compromised by a foreign actor.
Specialized cyber teams deployed
A Coast Guard Cyber Protection Team and FBI Cyber Action Team examined the ship's operational and IT systems, working with the crew to remove the threat.
“Currently, there are no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts”
Iranian media amplifies the story
The ship appears to be the VL Prosperity, a massive crude carrier bound for Galveston. Iranian state media reported the attack, though the U.S. hasn't attributed it to any actor.
Attackers targeted engine systems
Iranian reports claim hackers penetrated engine-room systems on August 7, reducing cooling flow, increasing engine speed, and interfering with fuel systems during a 30-hour blackout.
Tankers could become weapons
Modern oil tankers use internet-connected systems to control propulsion, navigation and cargo. A hostile state could theoretically hijack these systems and turn a vessel into a weapon against a port.
In short
Modern oil tankers' internet-connected systems create vulnerabilities that could allow hostile actors to remotely control massive vessels.
