Increased sanctions, regional isolation, and proxy conflicts have pushed Iran to retaliate through cyber means. Threat groups like APT33, APT34 (OilRig), and APT35 (Charming Kitten) have launched wide-ranging campaigns against U.S. Aerospace firms, financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government agencies. Executive Summary The recent conflict involving Iran , particularly its military engagements with Israel and the U.S., significantly heightens the risk of cyber spillover. This extends traditional battlegrounds into the digital realm. While we have not yet seen a dramatic uptick in Iranian-directed cyberattacks, further escalations could manifest as a surge in cyber operations by both state. In the three days since the US strikes, the US power grid’s cyberthreat - sharing center has monitored the dark web for Iranian activity, and hospital executives have checked in on the threat. 3 days ago · The FBI and federal cybersecurity officials are warning that the threat of cyberattacks linked to pro-Iranian groups continues despite a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Exploitation of known vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems Data exfiltration and influence operations 2. Asymmetrical Warfare via Proxies and Hacktivists The Conversation outlines how Iran ’s military setbacks could drive increased reliance on cyber proxy groups such as Hezbollah Cyber or pro-Iranian hacktivist collectives. Iran ’ s cyber attacks have demonstrated the potential to disrupt, sabotage and even destroy civil and commercial targets, critical national infrastructure and military capabilities, and its cyber espionage and information operations have been particularly extensive. Fears of Iranian retaliation in cyberspace surged after US and Israeli military strikes on Iran , but experts say the risk is overstated. Still, security leaders should stay alert and ready. In response, the U.S. Launched simultaneous attacks on 85 Iranian - linked targets, stoking fears of an even wider regional conflict in the Middle East. The escalation comes at an inopportune time for Iran, which is also among world leaders in terms of using cyber warfare as a tool of statecraft. The report examines how Iran ’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has adjusted its strategy, scaling back its overt military presence in Syria and Iraq while ramping up cyber operations. This shift aims to put the US in a difficult position, constantly dealing with Iranian proxy attacks or risking broader conflict.
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