FBI and U.S. Coast Guard investigators have found evidence that hackers gained temporary access to the propulsion system of the VL Prosperity, a fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier bound for Galveston, as it approached the Texas coast this summer. A joint team boarded the tanker in late August after it lost communications and showed signs of a compromised network.

Officials are still investigating how the breach happened, who was behind it, and how much control the hackers may have had. The FBI said there have been no reports of operational disruption, vessel instability, danger to crew, or environmental impact. The tanker remains anchored off Galveston.

The case underscores growing concern about maritime cyber threats. By September, U.S. agencies were tracking cyber threats against nearly 20 vessels worldwide, and the Coast Guard has asked for advance notice if any of them plan to enter a U.S. port.

Select the link to learn more.