Security teams from the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard boarded two oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico last month after signs that hackers had taken control of the vessels' networks, compromising navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of complex shipping networks to cyber threats. Tankers, with intricate internal systems, are increasingly at risk from cyberattacks, which can disrupt operations and compromise safety.

According to CBS News, one of the tankers, VL Prosperity, was compromised on August 7 while en route from Egypt to the U.S. The ship lost communication for over a day and experienced issues with its speed and fuel systems.

The attack raises questions about the source. U.S. officials are investigating whether Iran is behind the hack, given the recent tensions and the country's history of cyberattacks. However, no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, or environmental impacts have been reported.

This event underscores the growing challenge of cybersecurity in the maritime sector, with implications that extend beyond the immediate threat to global logistics and energy supply.