Latest news with #Israeli-made
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Iranian man pleads guilty to 2019 Baltimore ransomware attack
He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in August, the Justice Department announced. Gholinejad and unidentified co-conspirators were behind a string of ransomware attacks between January 2019 and March 2024, according to an April 2024 indictment unsealed on May 27. The Justice Department said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators encrypted files on the targeted networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments. The conspirators compromised the computer networks of health care organizations, corporations, and other entities across the United States, according to the Justice Department. The cyberattacks also targeted several U.S. cities, including Baltimore in the high-profile 2019 ransomware attack, and caused "significant disruptions" to essential city services, federal authorities said. The Justice Department added that the conspirators "used the damage they caused these cities to threaten subsequent victims." Though court documents did not allege a state-backed connection in this case, federal authorities have warned in recent years of Iranian government hacking groups targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and private-sector entities. Federal agencies have also issued numerous advisories for cyberattacks by foreign groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In November 2023, an Iranian-linked cyber group, Cyber Av3ngers, hacked into the water authority infrastructure in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The group took partial control of a system that regulates water pressure, and one that includes technology manufactured in Israel. At the time, federal authorities said the group was looking to disrupt Israeli-made technology in the United States. Here's how to stay protected. Officials warn against dangerous Medusa ransomware attacks. Conspirators used hacking tools to gain access to computer networks Federal authorities said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to computer networks with hacking tools. They copied, transmitted, and stored information and files from the infected victim networks to virtual private servers controlled by the conspirators, according to the indictment. The conspirators also deployed Robbinhood ransomware on targeted computers to encrypt files and make them inaccessible to the victims, the indictment states. They then extorted victims by requiring the payment of Bitcoin in exchange for the private key used to decrypt the victims' computer files. The Justice Department said the conspirators attempted to launder the ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies. According to the indictment, the conspirators concealed their identities and activities through various methods, such as the use of virtual private networks and servers that they controlled. The attack on Baltimore in 2019 cost the city more than $19 million from damage to computer networks and disruptions to city services that lasted many months, including the processing of property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and other revenue-generating functions, the Justice Department said. Additional victims include computer networks in the cities of Gresham, Oregon; Yonkers, New York; and Greenville, North Carolina, along with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in California and the nonprofit Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, based in New York, according to the indictment. "Gholinejad and his co-conspirators -- all of whom were overseas -- caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the Robbinhood ransomware against U.S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses," Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, said in a statement. "The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months," Galeotti added. Contributing: Claire Thornton, USA TODAY; Reuters
USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
Iranian man pleads guilty to ransomware attacks that targeted Baltimore, other US cities
Iranian man pleads guilty to ransomware attacks that targeted Baltimore, other US cities Show Caption Hide Caption How to avoid scams and frauds online Avoid scams and frauds online with these cybersecurity tips. An Iranian national pleaded guilty for his role in an international ransomware scheme that targeted the computer networks of Baltimore and other U.S. cities, causing tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupting services, federal authorities said. Sina Gholinejad, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 27, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. Gholinejad was arrested on January 10 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, federal court records show. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in August, the Justice Department announced. Gholinejad and unidentified co-conspirators were behind a string of ransomware attacks between January 2019 and March 2024, according to an April 2024 indictment unsealed on May 27. The Justice Department said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators encrypted files on the targeted networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments. The conspirators compromised the computer networks of health care organizations, corporations, and other entities across the United States, according to the Justice Department. The cyberattacks also targeted several U.S. cities, including Baltimore in the high-profile 2019 ransomware attack, and caused "significant disruptions" to essential city services, federal authorities said. The Justice Department added that the conspirators "used the damage they caused these cities to threaten subsequent victims." Though court documents did not allege a state-backed connection in this case, federal authorities have warned in recent years of Iranian government hacking groups targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and private-sector entities. Federal agencies have also issued numerous advisories for cyberattacks by foreign groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In November 2023, an Iranian-linked cyber group, Cyber Av3ngers, hacked into the water authority infrastructure in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The group took partial control of a system that regulates water pressure, and one that includes technology manufactured in Israel. At the time, federal authorities said the group was looking to disrupt Israeli-made technology in the United States. Here's how to stay protected. Officials warn against dangerous Medusa ransomware attacks. Conspirators used hacking tools to gain access to computer networks Federal authorities said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to computer networks with hacking tools. They copied, transmitted, and stored information and files from the infected victim networks to virtual private servers controlled by the conspirators, according to the indictment. The conspirators also deployed Robbinhood ransomware on targeted computers to encrypt files and make them inaccessible to the victims, the indictment states. They then extorted victims by requiring the payment of Bitcoin in exchange for the private key used to decrypt the victims' computer files. The Justice Department said the conspirators attempted to launder the ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies. According to the indictment, the conspirators concealed their identities and activities through various methods, such as the use of virtual private networks and servers that they controlled. The attack on Baltimore in 2019 cost the city more than $19 million from damage to computer networks and disruptions to city services that lasted many months, including the processing of property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and other revenue-generating functions, the Justice Department said. Additional victims include computer networks in the cities of Gresham, Oregon; Yonkers, New York; and Greenville, North Carolina, along with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in California and the nonprofit Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, based in New York, according to the indictment. 'Gholinejad and his co-conspirators — all of whom were overseas — caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the Robbinhood ransomware against U.S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses,' Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, said in a statement. "The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months," Galeotti added. Contributing: Claire Thornton, USA TODAY; Reuters
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Latest Pakistan-India conflict heats up drone arms race
Listen to article Pakistan and India have entered a new phase of their long-standing military rivalry, with the two nations now engaged in a drone arms race. Following an intense four-day skirmish in May, both countries are ramping up their investments in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), marking a shift in their military strategies. The fighting, which began on May 8, saw both countries deploying drones for the first time at scale against each other. The ceasefire brokered by the US has done little to cool the growing drone arms race, with both countries increasing their investments in UAV technology. Pakistan is working with Chinese and Turkish partners to build more advanced UAVs, as its high-end fighter jets remain outnumbered by India's fleet. On the other hand, India's drone fleet relies on Israeli-made surveillance UAVs such as the IAI Searcher and Heron, as well as Harpy and Harop loitering munitions—smart weapons that serve as both spy drones and self-guided missiles for precision strikes." New Delhi also plans to spend up to $470 million over the next two years, with a significant portion of this budget dedicated to combat and surveillance drones. The push to incorporate UAVs into military tactics stems from their ability to strike targets with minimal risk to personnel and equipment. Indian military officials have confirmed that drones were deployed in the recent conflict, targeting strategic infrastructure within Pakistan with limited risk of escalation. Both countries have now recognised UAVs as a powerful tool for military pressure. By using UAVs, the leaders of both nations can signal strength without committing expensive aircraft or risking personnel. However, experts caution that this strategy is not without risk, as drone strikes in densely populated or contested areas could still provoke major international repercussions. Despite the relatively low cost of UAVs compared to traditional aircraft, experts agree that the technology's dependence on critical components from rival nations, particularly China, could pose future challenges. The drone arms race between India and Pakistan is more than just a matter of technology—it has become a central component of the two nations' broader military and geopolitical strategies, signalling a dangerous new phase in their rivalry.
Egypt Independent
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Pakistani Information Minister in exclusive interview discusses India/Pakistan conflict and how Trump ‘prevented a catastrophe'
In this exclusive interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the US, under the leadership of its current President Donald Trump, helped prevent a catastrophe between two nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan and India. He assured that Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense against India, and will respond in anyway necessary if India ever violates its bounds – including nuclear warfare. The minister noted that the root of the conflict between the two nations lies in Kashmir, and he specifically held the UN as accountable for the continuation of this conflict, ongoing since 1947. He emphasized that the ceasefire and the truce will remain in place, and added that India used Israeli-made drones while contacting Washington to reach a ceasefire. Pakistan, through its Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, declared victory in the war, relying on its armed forces and the support of its people, Tarar added. Interview ■What is the current situation between Pakistan and India after the US announced a ceasefire, given the ongoing media war between the two countries? – US President Donald Trump played a pivotal role in mediating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India when hostilities reached their peak and disaster loomed. He successfully prevented a catastrophe between two nuclear-armed neighbors. With Trump announcing his desire to help resolve the Kashmir dispute – the root of the conflict between Islamabad and New Delhi – through bilateral dialogue, our country considers the US's position as 'constructive,' while also appreciating the contributions made by other friendly countries. ■ Was the recent tension a reaction to the Pahalgam incident? – Yes, India has blamed Pakistan for everything that happens on the border, such as the Pulwama incident in 2019. It also engineered similar drama in Pahalgam in a desperate attempt to divert attention from its own internal failures. India targeted civilians in its airstrikes, and the next day, Pakistani defense forces shot down several Indian drones, which were found to be Israeli-made. The next night, India attempted to attack Pakistani defense installations. After these provocations, Pakistan responded with full might. Within a few hours, India contacted the US, calling for a ceasefire. The truce still holds to this day. Let me remind the world public opinion that, following the Pahalgam incident in Kashmir, India announced the incident within 10 minutes and quickly went to accuse it of being financed from outside the borders. Although Pakistan announced a call for a fair and transparent investigation into the incident, India did not heed our call and immediately launched military operations. Therefore, Pakistan responded swiftly. We have always emphasized that Pakistan, as a major country, fights terrorism and is committed to regional and global peace. India must stop its human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and refrain from blaming neighboring countries. ■Let me relay to you India's accusations that Pakistan supports what New Delhi describes as 'terrorism' in order to destabilize its neighbor. – These accusations are persistent – India always blames Pakistan, but has never provided any evidence. On the contrary, India has been caught red-handed. Kulbhushan Jadhav is a prominent example of India's involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Recently, when terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express train, Indian media broadcast the footage before Pakistani news channels. Some Indians even celebrated the incident. But we have evidence that India is the one supporting terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India's accusations are 'false propaganda' aimed at tarnishing the image of Islamabad, which has made strenuous efforts to combat terrorism and has continuously been its victim. I challenge you to find a country like Pakistan that has lost over 90,000 people due to abhorrent terrorists. Therefore, when New Delhi claims that Islamabad supports terrorism, this is the most eloquent response to its lies. Let's not forget that the Pakistani Armed Forces have made tremendous sacrifices, as they constitute a strong shield against terrorism. Our country is the barrier between terrorists and the world, and therefore we need support to continue the fight against terrorists trying to impose their ideology. ■Is the conflict due to mutual accusations of supporting terrorism, or is it related to the Kashmir issue? -The root cause of the Pakistan-India conflict is certainly the unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir. If this dispute is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, Pakistan and India can live peacefully as neighbors. There are other secondary issues, but they can be resolved amicably if the main obstacle, namely if the Kashmir issue, is addressed. Kashmir was supposed to become a natural part of Pakistan, but India illegally occupied it, leading to a Kashmiri revolt. This is open to interpretation. In my view, it is about the fundamental right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people as stipulated in the partition plan. ■You claim to be the owners of Kashmir, yet India says this region belongs to it? -Kashmir is the unfinished agenda for the partition of the Indian subcontinent. According to the principles of the international partition plan, Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region bordering Pakistan, should have joined Islamabad. However, India, in violation of international law and morality, deployed its forces and illegally occupied it. When India brought the issue to the UN Security Council, it granted Kashmiris the right to self-determination through a free and fair referendum under UN supervision. Elections cannot replace a referendum. ■ You are talking about a referendum on Kashmir's independence or joining Pakistan, but India rejects this. So what is the solution? -Pakistan believes that Kashmir is a disputed territory recognized by the UN, and that India has no right to rule it by force. Therefore, the Kashmiris must be given the right to self-determination to choose to join Pakistan or India. Pakistan desires a peaceful resolution to all disputes, but this should not be seen as weakness. Therefore, Pakistan has responded firmly to India's recent escapades and will continue to do so in the face of any aggression. ■If India persists in its rejection of the referendum, would it be better to deploy Asian or UN forces to prevent a mutual war between the two nuclear powers? -When India turned to the United Nations in 1947 to resolve the conflict, the UN Security Council issued several resolutions calling for a free and fair referendum and deployed observers along the ceasefire line, now known as the Line of Control. I believe that the presence of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) could be expanded to monitor the situation more effectively. ■ You talk about deploying UN forces, but over the past years, has the UN played a role in calming tensions with India? – The UN bears a significant responsibility regarding the Kashmir hotspot. If it were resolved, the people of the entire region would breathe a sigh of relief, and the billions of rupees spent on arms could be repurposed for development in both countries. ■ Some say that what the people of Kashmir are experiencing is similar to what is happening in occupied Palestine. Is this true? – This is true. Over the course of nearly 78 years of India's occupation of Kashmir, violations against the people of the region have continued, including acts of violence, oppression, and murder. This is similar to what Palestine is experiencing. Therefore, out of our feelings toward what Kashmir is experiencing, we support Palestine's just cause that requires the establishment of an independent and viable state on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. Israel, like India, is committing war crimes and violating all international laws. Based on our role, Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the oppressed Palestinian people, and will continue to raise its voice against injustice in international forums. Palestine is not just an international political issue – it is linked to the identity of Pakistan. The Pakistani people are closely connected to this sacred cause, and we assure the world that Islamabad will never recognize Israel, as Pakistan's founding leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, affirmed. Our country fully appreciates the role played by Egypt in its strenuous efforts to halt the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, as well as its fruitful cooperation in delivering thousands of tons of relief supplies to Gaza, through our embassy in Cairo. ■ During the One-Day War, there were threats to use nuclear weapons. Is that likely to happen? – Personally, I feel that the recent confrontation, including airstrikes and drone attacks, was a full-scale war, short in duration but concentrated in intensity. In my opinion, India would not dare to start a full-scale war with Pakistan. However, the Pakistani Armed Forces are on high alert. In the event of such a war, the use of nuclear weapons cannot be ruled out. ■Yet the entire world followed the speech of the Pakistani army chief, who issued inflammatory statements that could further inflame the conflict? – Pakistan did not escalate tensions – rather, India engaged in fueling the war by targeting civilians, and then military sites, with missiles and drones. Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and the results were clear. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared victory over India thanks to the efforts of the Pakistani Armed Forces and the support of the people, who supported his forces in defending Pakistani skies and land. Indeed, God has bestowed victory upon us, so the government has called for a prayer of thanks, raising the national flags on homes, embassies and national institutions, and lighting candles to express solidarity with the Pakistani Armed Forces and honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of the homeland, on May 16, in honor of the Pakistani people and the armed forces for the historic victory in the battle of truth. A 31-gun salute was fired in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute was fired in each provincial capital to mark the occasion. ■ Do you think any tension could lead to a change in the Indian or Pakistani government? I cannot comment on India, but in Pakistan, we have an elected government, with the current Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the government has fulfilled its economic and military obligations in defending its territory and defending its people, who have the full and comprehensive support of the government. All national institutions are united, and there is no concern about a change of government. ■ When do you expect to see a meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi? – Pakistan has always sought to resolve all disputes with India, including the Kashmir issue, through dialogue with India, particularly the Modi government, but it has not responded positively to Islamabad's overtures. We are ready to hold talks, and now it is up to the Indian leadership to make its decision. ■ Has India really stopped the flow of rivers from its side toward Pakistan? – So far, I don't believe India has stopped the flow of rivers, but it has malicious intentions to divert their course in the future. Any such action would be considered an act of war by Pakistan, which will not refrain from a strong, earth-shattering response to New Delhi if the situation escalates or India oversteps the bounds of reason in its dealings with Pakistan, which has already dealt a powerful deterrent blow. ■ It is well known that any tension or outbreak of war has economic repercussions, especially with the suspension of flights and trade. Have you noticed an impact? – Pakistan's economic situation is proceeding as usual. I don't see any significant negative impact. In fact, the stock market saw a noticeable recovery after the ceasefire was announced. Pakistan adhered to it out of appreciation for Washington's position calling for peace in the region and to avoid a major war. Pakistan also believes in peaceful coexistence and welcomes mediation from any friendly country. ■ What is your comment on India's demand that Pakistan's nuclear weapons be kept under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency? This is totally condemned, and we call on the international community to investigate the repeated incidents of nuclear material theft and security breaches at Indian nuclear facilities. Reports in 2024 of the theft of radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center are cause for concern, particularly given the international safety concerns. Furthermore, India's statements regarding this issue represent a lack of understanding of the responsibilities set by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Pakistan's conventional capabilities are sufficient to deter Indian aggression.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh Assembly unites in tribute to armed forces' victory
The Sindh Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a significant resolution on the occasion of Yaum-e-Tashakkur, marking the Pakistan Armed Forces' victory over India. The resolution was presented by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and paid tribute to the determination and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, its martyrs, and the nation. It expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting victory to the people and their armed forces. It also acknowledged the support of countries that stood by Pakistan in difficult times and condemned India for persistently violating United Nations resolutions and international laws. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that whenever the homeland is threatened, the people of Pakistan and its armed forces unite to respond strongly. He said that a powerful and effective reply was given to India's aggression and credited the victory to divine support. According to him, five Indian fighter jets and 85 Israeli-made drones were shot down. He paid tribute to Mukhtar Leghari from Ghotki, the first martyr in the conflict. He further revealed that attacks on Noor Khan Airbase and Sukkur preceded the launch of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos at 5am. Pakistani forces reportedly targeted 26 enemy locations, including Udhampur, Pathankot, Ambala, and Jalandhar. He added that modern Indian aircraft and Israeli drones were rendered ineffective in the face of the Pakistani nation's resilience. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said that Pakistan had dealt India a crushing defeat within hours - not only militarily, but also diplomatically, politically, and in the media sphere. He praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and the unmatched spirit of the people. Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had pushed India toward destruction by dragging it into war. He highlighted that all political parties in Pakistan stood united, sending a strong message to the world about Pakistan's solidarity in times of crisis. Jamaat-e-Islami's parliamentary leader Muhammad Farooq said the victory reflected divine unity among Pakistanis and expressed hope that India would now be compelled to speak with Pakistan respectfully. PPP MPA Dr Sham Sundar condemned India's aggression, including attacks on mosques, and praised the professionalism of the Pakistani forces. Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar called the operation a source of national pride and paid homage to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, crediting Pakistan's current strength to their contributions. MQM MPA Iftikhar Alam said that Pakistan crossed into enemy territory and dealt a heavy blow to India's international reputation. Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro asserted that Pakistan had shown the world it is a responsible and defensive nation, citing the capture of Kulbhushan Jadhav and the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan as examples of moral superiority. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said the conflict was a war, not politics, and claimed Modi had led India to the brink of ruin. He reiterated that Pakistanis remain united in their defence of the country. MQM's Abdul Waseem accused India of attacking its own citizens and blaming Pakistan. He commended the Pakistan Army for exposing those false claims. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani recalled that Indian PM Modi had once been banned from entering the US, and claimed that global opinion was now turning against India. He warned that India could escalate acts of terrorism and called for a national strategy to counter future threats. The assembly session, presided over by Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, concluded with prayers for the martyrs and the success of ongoing operations. The resolution, passed unanimously, paid tribute to the Pakistan Army and expressed solidarity with its mission. The session was adjourned until 10am on Monday.
