Hackers have breached tank readers at US gas stations; officials suspect Iran is responsible
US officials suspect Iranian hackers breached automatic tank gauge systems at gas stations across multiple states, exploiting unprotected online systems to manipulate fuel readings without altering actual fuel levels. The attacks raise safety concerns and highlight vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure despite federal warnings, with Iran’s involvement potentially escalating tensions amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Tehran.
US officials believe Iranian hackers are responsible for breaching systems that monitor fuel levels in storage tanks at gas stations across multiple states. The attackers exploited unsecured automatic tank gauge (ATG) systems, which were online without passwords, allowing them to alter displayed fuel readings without physically affecting the tanks. While no damage or harm has been reported, officials warn that such breaches could mask gas leaks or other safety hazards, as ATG access theoretically enables undetected malfunctions. The investigation remains inconclusive due to limited forensic evidence, but Iran’s history of targeting similar systems strengthens suspicions. US officials have previously linked Iranian hackers, particularly those affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to cyberattacks on water utilities and industrial sites since the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict escalated. A 2021 Sky News report revealed Iranian plans to disrupt gas stations by targeting ATGs, and a 2015 experiment by Trend Micro confirmed their vulnerability to exploitation. The breaches underscore broader cybersecurity risks in US critical infrastructure, despite years of federal advisories. Iranian hacking groups have repeatedly targeted unsecured systems tied to oil, gas, and water networks, demonstrating opportunistic yet disruptive capabilities. Since the US-Israel war intensified in February, Tehran-linked hackers have caused disruptions at US oil, gas, and water sites, as well as shipping delays, signaling an accelerating and unpredictable cyber threat. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have not publicly commented on the ATG hacks. If confirmed, Iran’s involvement would mark another attempt to pressure the US amid geopolitical tensions, potentially exacerbating political debates over rising gas prices linked to the conflict. A recent CNN poll found that 75% of US adults blame the war for financial strain, adding political sensitivity to the cyber incidents.
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