US suspects Iranian hackers breached gas station tank systems: Report

Fuel system intrusions detected

US officials suspect Iranian hackers may have infiltrated automatic tank gauge systems at gas stations across several American states, exploiting internet-connected devices that lacked password protection to manipulate fuel level displays, according to a CNN report published Saturday.

The cyber actors reportedly gained access to the networked tank readers, allowing them in certain instances to modify displayed fuel quantities without affecting actual storage levels. Investigators said the hackers specifically targeted automatic tank gauge units that were exposed to the internet without adequate security protocols, creating vulnerabilities across multiple state networks.

Safety concerns mount

While the breaches did not result in physical damage or injuries, the unauthorized intrusions have triggered significant safety warnings within the cybersecurity community. US officials and private sector experts noted that compromised access to these gauge systems could theoretically enable malicious actors to conceal gas leaks or other hazardous conditions from monitoring personnel.

Attribution challenges

Sources familiar with the investigation said Iran's previous involvement in targeting similar fuel infrastructure has placed Tehran high on the list of suspects. Officials acknowledged that definitive attribution may prove impossible because the intruders left minimal forensic evidence at the compromised sites, complicating efforts to establish definitive responsibility.