Cyberattack Suspected on Two Commercial Ships in the US
Two foreign-flagged commercial vessels were boarded by US authorities in the Gulf of Mexico after indications that their computer networks had been compromised in suspected cyberattacks.
US Coast Guard and FBI teams boarded two foreign-flagged commercial vessels bound for the United States in the Gulf of Mexico last month after indications that their computer networks had been compromised.
During operations conducted on August 21 and 24, teams boarded the vessels following assessments that their computer networks showed signs of cyberattacks. Foreign cyber actors were reportedly involved, but the identity of those behind the attacks was not disclosed.
One of the vessels was identified as the Liberian-flagged VL Prosperity. The vessel is currently anchored in waters around Galveston, Texas.
The VL Prosperity had previously reportedly suffered a major cyberattack while transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, with its communication systems disrupted for around 30 hours. The attack allegedly also gave access to the vessel’s engine-room systems, reducing the engine’s cooling flow and increasing engine speed. Systems related to the ship’s fuel and engine-oil tanks were also reportedly disabled.
While cyberattacks targeting ship systems are not considered particularly difficult to carry out, concerns are growing that such incidents could become more frequent and expand in scope in the coming period.
