As Iran Israel ceasefire holds, Tehran-backed hackers begin operations - target US banks, and defense sites

Time of India

5 hours ago

Iran-backed hackers have started targeting U.S. banks, oil companies, and defense firms after American strikes on Iran. U.S. authorities have warned critical infrastructure operators to stay alert for possible cyber threats. Experts say cyberattacks can spread fear and confusion, even without causing major damage. Officials are closely watching for more attacks.
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Even though Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, hackers who support Iran have started attacking U.S. websites. They've gone after big targets like banks, defense companies, and oil industries. Experts are worried things might get worse if the ceasefire breaks or if more hackers join in.After U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iranian-backed hackers began targeting American companies. The hackers are mainly attacking U.S. banks, defense contractors, and oil companies. So far, the attacks haven't caused any major damage to important U.S. systems or the economy, according to the report by AP News.Experts warn things could get worse if the Iran-Israel ceasefire breaks, or if independent hacker groups join in. Arnie Bellini, a tech investor, said Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea may invest more in cyberwarfare now, since hacking is cheaper than using weapons. Bellini also said America is strong in regular warfare but very weak when it comes to digital attacks, "like Swiss cheese."Two pro-Palestinian hacker groups claimed they hit over a dozen U.S. aviation firms, banks, and oil companies. These were denial-of-service attacks, which try to shut down websites or systems by overloading them. One of the groups, Mysterious Team, posted online that they are increasing attacks, as stated in the report by AP News.The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about increased Iranian cyber threats. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency asked organizations like water plants, pipelines, and power grids to be extra careful.Iran is not as advanced in hacking as China or Russia, but it's known as a 'chaos agent', it uses cyberattacks to steal info, scare enemies, and make political noise. If the ceasefire continues, Iran's official hackers may stop. But independent hacker groups that support Iran could still attack. Some of these hacker groups are linked to Iran's military or intelligence. Others work alone. Over 60 such groups have been tracked, as per the report by AP News.These hacker groups want to create fear, confusion, and economic problems. After the Hamas attack on Israel in Oct 2023, some hackers broke into an Israeli emergency alert app and sent fake nuclear missile alerts.Iran may try more spying rather than destruction, like watching what Trump or U.S. leaders do next. Last year, three Iranian hackers were charged for trying to hack Trump's 2020 campaign. Jake Williams said Iran is still likely using its hacking tools to gather intelligence, not just attack, as sated by AP News report.The Trump administration has reduced funding and staff for cybersecurity programs. CISA cut staff who worked on election security and reduced funding for local/state cybersecurity. Gen. Timothy Haugh, head of NSA and Cyber Command, was suddenly fired by Trump.Israel's strike on Iran's nuclear scientists showed how powerful cyber-espionage can be. Arnie Bellini donated $40 million to help build a new cybersecurity center at the University of South Florida. Bellini said the cyberwar is like a never-ending cartoon chase, 'Wile E. Coyote vs. Road Runner', and the U.S. can't afford to lose, according to the AP News report.Groups that support Iran, including pro-Palestinian hackers.U.S. banks, defense companies, oil firms, and aviation.