US Authorities Investigate Cyber Compromise of Two Commercial Vessels
The US Coast Guard and FBI boarded two foreign-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Mexico last month following reports that the ships' systems were compromised by hackers. The operation occurred amid a broader increase in cyber incidents requiring federal attention.
First reported 36 minutes ago · latest update 5 hours from now
United States Coast Guard and FBI personnel boarded two commercial vessels bound for the United States in the Gulf of Mexico last month following reports that their computer networks had been compromised by hackers. The operations took place on August 21 and August 24 aboard two foreign-flagged ships.
The FBI confirmed that a joint team carried out the boardings after receiving indications that the networks of both vessels had been breached. While the Coast Guard acknowledged the August 21 operation, it did not provide details regarding the second boarding. The agency stated that foreign cyber actors were involved in the incident but did not specify their origin or identity.
These events occur as U.S. authorities manage a series of cyber incidents that have been linked by media reports to Iran amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Neither the FBI nor the Coast Guard provided further specifics regarding the nature of the breaches or the discrepancies between their respective accounts of the operations.
Maritime security firm Dryad Global has identified one of the vessels involved as the Liberian-flagged VL Prosperity. According to ship tracking data from LSEG and MarineTraffic, the vessel is currently anchored in waters near Galveston, Texas.
Representatives from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency did not provide additional information when asked for comment. Furthermore, the Liberian flag registry has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident involving the VL Prosperity.
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Two US-bound vessels apparently compromised by hackers, US officials say - Reuters
Two US-bound vessels apparently compromised by hackers, US officials say Reuters
44 minutes from nowTwo US-bound vessels apparently compromised by hackers, US officials say
WASHINGTON/LONDON, Sept 17 - US Coast Guard and FBI personnel boarded two commercial vessels bound for the United States in the Gulf of Mexico last month after indications that hackers had broken into their computer networks, the agencies said on Thursday.
36 minutes agoTwo US-Bound Vessels Apparently Compromised By Hackers: Officials
The unusual operation, carried out on August 21 and August 24 aboard two foreign-flagged ships, comes as US authorities grapple with a series of cyber incidents that media reports have linked to Iran.
5 hours from now