WASHINGTON: The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Coast Guard have launched an investigation into a cyberattack targeting a large oil tanker near the coast of Texas, according to reports.
The vessel, identified as the VL Prosperity, was reportedly compromised through its propulsion system. It remains unclear how long the attackers had access to the tanker’s systems.
Reports indicate that the cyber incident occurred about two months ago while the tanker was passing through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Some media reports have claimed that the attack affected the vessel’s engine, cooling system, and navigation operations. However, U.S. authorities have not officially confirmed those details.
The investigation is expected to examine how the attackers gained access to the tanker’s systems, the extent of the disruption, and whether the incident was part of a broader cyber threat targeting maritime infrastructure.