5 days ago
US Tracks Cyber Threats Targeting Nearly 20 Ships Worldwide
US officials are watching for cyberattacks involving nearly 20 ships around the world.
Cyberattacks happen when people try to break into computer systems.
The ships use computers for navigation, communication, and other important tasks.
Officials said several commercial vessels were targeted in late August.
The hackers did not appear to control the ships themselves.
The Coast Guard boarded two ships in the Gulf of Mexico to check their computer systems.
The Coast Guard also asked ships to provide advance notice before entering US ports.
So far, officials have reported no major disruptions or injuries.
US agencies are tracking cyber threats involving nearly 20 shipping vessels worldwide.
The Coast Guard asked for advance notice if any of the ships plan to enter a US port.
Two foreign-flagged commercial vessels were boarded in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 21 and Aug. 24.
Officials said hackers did not appear to take control of the targeted ships.
The Coast Guard reported no operational disruptions, vessel instability, crew danger, or environmental impacts.
- Who
- US government agencies, including the Coast Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Department of Homeland Security units, are tracking the threats.
- What
- Cyber threats and potential attacks have affected or targeted nearly 20 commercial shipping vessels.
- Where
- The vessels are located around the world, while two inbound foreign-flagged ships were boarded in the Gulf of Mexico.
- When
- Several vessels were targeted in late August; two ships were boarded on Aug. 21 and Aug. 24.
- Why
- Officials are checking and protecting maritime information-technology and operational systems from cyber threats that could disrupt shipping and supply chains.
Key facts
- Vessels being tracked
- Nearly 20 shipping vessels worldwide
- Recent targeting
- Several commercial vessels were targeted in late August
- Coast Guard boardings
- Two inbound foreign-flagged commercial vessels
- Boarding dates
- Aug. 21 and Aug. 24
- Boarding location
- Gulf of Mexico
- Reported impacts
- No operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts reported
- Port notification
- The Coast Guard requested advance notice if tracked ships plan to enter a US port
Quotes
US Coast Guard
US maritime security agency
“Currently, there are no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts”
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Sources
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