Hackers accessed the propulsion system of a loaded oil tanker near Texas
Hackers temporarily accessed a digital system connected to the VL Prosperity’s propulsion as the tanker approached Texas, prompting the FBI and US Coast Guard to board it in August. Investigators have not established who was responsible or what the attackers could control; officials report no disruption, danger to crew or environmental impact.
Bottom line — The VL Prosperity investigation remains open, with US agencies also tracking cyber threats to nearly 20 vessels.
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The FBI and Coast Guard said they boarded the VL Prosperity and another vessel to check the integrity of their operational and information technology systems.
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According to the reports, the tanker lost communications before authorities boarded it in late August.
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Officials have not said whether attackers tried to manipulate propulsion or had the ability to do so.
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US agencies were tracking cyber threats involving nearly 20 vessels worldwide by September, according to the reports.
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The Coast Guard asked for advance notice if any of those vessels planned to enter a US port.
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DNV’s Svante Einarsson called loss of vessel functions a worst-case scenario, while noting ships often have backup systems.