US Coast Guard Probes Suspected Cyber Attacks on Tankers

The U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have investigated suspected cyber attacks on tankers bound for the U.S. Gulf Coast, with at least two vessels under scrutiny.

In late August, a Coast Guard-led team boarded an oil tanker to probe alleged cyber attacks that took place while the ship was transiting the Strait of Gibraltar between Morocco and Spain.

The cyber action teams inspected the vessel's systems and found no reports of operational disruptions or environmental impacts.

At least two foreign-flagged vessels are now under investigation, with one carrying oil and the other shipping LNG. The incidents have raised concerns that Iran or other U.S. adversaries may be trying to disrupt operations at a key chokepoint or a U.S. port.