US Tracking Cyber Threats Against Nearly 20 Ships Worldwide

US government agencies are monitoring cyber threats against nearly 20 shipping vessels worldwide, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Coast Guard has requested advance notice if any of these vessels plan to enter a US port, sources said, requesting anonymity due to lack of authorization for public comment. Specific destinations and cargo details of the vessels remain undisclosed.

Several commercial ships were targeted in potential cyberattacks in late August, a federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency official revealed, noting that hackers did not fully take control of the ships. The Coast Guard is now monitoring these vessels alongside the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, a Homeland Security official confirmed.

Concerns about cyberattacks on the maritime sector have grown as ships rely more on digital systems for navigation, communication, and other functions. Governments and cybersecurity experts have warned that hackers aim to exploit these systems to disrupt supply chains. The US Coast Guard disclosed in a statement that it boarded two inbound foreign-flagged commercial ships in the Gulf of Mexico on August 21 and 24 to verify the integrity of their operational and information technology systems following indications of network compromises.

The Coast Guard stated that there are currently no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts. The agency is maintaining active communication with port operators, vessel owners, and other stakeholders.