The U.S. Navy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating cyber attacks on tankers. These investigations are prompted by concerns about cyber threats to maritime safety and disruptions to ships' electronic systems.
Investigation of the VL Prosperity
U.S. Navy personnel boarded an unspecified foreign tanker on August 21, following evidence of hackers breaching its network. This tanker, the VL Prosperity, is currently anchored off the coast of Texas and appears to have entered the area in late August. According to ship tracking data, this tanker had loaded oil from Egypt before arriving off the Texas coast.
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Consequences of Cyber Attacks
The semi-official Iranian news agency, Mehr, reported that communications with the VL Prosperity were cut off for 30 hours following a cyber attack in the Strait of Gibraltar. However, HMM Ocean Service, which acts as the safety and technical manager for the tanker, stated that the vessel is allowed to operate normally and has strict cybersecurity protocols in place for the ships under its management. The company is also awaiting a final report from U.S. authorities.
Following this incident, another tanker carrying liquefied natural gas was also inspected on August 24. This action is part of broader U.S. efforts to address cyber threats in the maritime industry.
Increasing Cyber Threats
Analysts point out that the level of attacks on vessels is increasing, and ships' electronic control systems are becoming increasingly connected to the internet to collect data related to ship operations. This facilitates improvements in ships' navigation systems but simultaneously makes them more vulnerable to hackers.
In April, the U.S. Maritime Administration issued warnings and urged ship owners to adopt best practices to limit access to these digital systems and reduce vulnerabilities. Additionally, the International Maritime Organization, a UN agency, has published guidelines for managing cyber risks.
Currently, the U.S. Navy is managing communications with port operators, ship owners, and local maritime stakeholders to ensure that port operations continue safely and without interruption.
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