Two tankers hit by cyberattack

Last month, two oil tankers heading for the United States were compromised by hackers. The FBI and Coast Guard boarded at least one vessel to investigate the malicious cyber activity.

VL Prosperity targeted

The first vessel, VL Prosperity, is a Liberian crude oil tanker carrying two point three million barrels of oil. It was travelling from Egypt's Sidi Kerir Oil Terminal towards Galveston, Texas, where it was supposed to dock on August twenty-fourth.

Boarding and investigation

On August twenty-first, a highly specialized team comprised of USCG Law Enforcement personnel, USCG Cyber Protection Team members, a vessel inspector, and FBI Cyber Action Team operators boarded the vessel to conduct a comprehensive cyber security boarding and investigation.

“On August 21, a highly specialized team, comprised of USCG Law Enforcement personnel, USCG Cyber Protection Team members, a vessel inspector, and FBI Cyber Action Team operators, embarked the vessel to conduct a comprehensive cyber security boarding and investigation”

Engine and comms sabotaged

Attackers infiltrated engine-room systems, reduced the engine's cooling flow, increased engine speed, and disabled the ship's fuel and engine-oil tank. The ship's communications were knocked offline for a day and a half.

Second vessel also affected

The second vessel, Kohaku, flies under the flag of the Marshall Islands and was travelling towards Texas to load liquefied petroleum gas. It has been sitting near Malta and was travelling through the East Mediterranean Sea.

Iran possibly behind attack

No threat actors have publicly claimed responsibility. However, the Iranian Mehr News Agency allegedly hinted the attack was a message from Iran's Resistance Front to Washington and the broader Middle East.

“message from Iran's "Resistance Front" to Washington and the broader Middle East”