US officials are investigating a series of cyberattacks targeting fuel-monitoring systems at gas stations across American states. They think Iran-linked hackers might be behind it, according to reports.
The investigation is focused on tank gauge (ATG) systems that track fuel levels at petrol stations. Officials said some of these systems were online without password protection, making them easy to access.
In some cases, attackers were able to change fuel level readings on monitoring systems. Authorities said the actual fuel in underground tanks was not changed, and there were no disruptions to fuel supplies.
The incidents did not cause damage or injuries.. Cybersecurity experts warned that access to such systems could create operational and environmental risks. For example manipulated readings could hide fuel leaks. Interfere with safety monitoring processes.
Investigators think Iran might be the suspect because of their past involvement in cyber operations targeting fuel, energy and infrastructure systems. Officials said it’s hard to be sure who did it because hackers use methods to conceal their identities.
- Cybersecurity researchers have long said that internet-connected ATG systems are vulnerable because many have outdated security protections.
- Some testing environments used by researchers had also attracted attention from Iran-linked hacking groups.
This report comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats to infrastructure in the US. Iranian-linked groups have targeted water facilities, energy systems and industrial infrastructure as tensions rise globally.
Experts say cyber operations linked to Iran are becoming more frequent. They are often combined with psychological and information campaigns aimed at creating uncertainty and pressure without causing direct military confrontation.
The US agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI, have not publicly commented on the reported incidents.
