Iran Likely Targeting U.S. Energy Control Systems, DHS Says

Iranian cyber actors are likely researching ways to target industrial control systems used by US energy companies, potentially causing physical damage or disrupting fuel supplies, according to a Department of Homeland Security intelligence bulletin reviewed by ABC News.

US officials are warning energy companies about potential Iranian cyberattacks against industrial control systems and automated storage-tank gauges.

The bulletin said Iranian cyber actors in early August used DeepSeek's artificial intelligence platform to research the capacity of storage tanks operated by a US-based energy company.

DHS assessed that the activity was likely part of reconnaissance targeting industrial control systems associated with oil-well operations.

The bulletin warned that compromising automated tank gauges could allow attackers to manipulate readings or interfere with alerts.

Such an intrusion could potentially trigger false alarms, suppress warnings that tanks are empty or full, or interfere with automated equipment.

DHS also warned that attackers could potentially initiate pump shutdowns or alter temperature readings in ways that prevent overheating alerts. The bulletin said a widespread compromise of automated tank gauges could cause logistical problems.

Attackers could make tanks appear nearly empty, prompting unnecessary fuel-tanker dispatches, or make nearly empty tanks appear full, potentially contributing to service disruptions.

The DHS assessment describes a potential threat, not evidence that Iranian hackers have already caused physical damage to US energy infrastructure.

The use of DeepSeek in the reconnaissance activity also does not mean the AI company itself was involved in the alleged cyber operation.