A report released by Microsoft claims that Iran has increased its hacking attempts and terrorist attacks in cyberspace fourfold over the past year, observing an increased focus from a growing number of Iranian groups targeting defense companies that support United States, European Union, and Israeli government partners producing military-grade radars, drone technology, satellite systems, and emergency response communication systems.
Less than a week later, Google released a report on Iranian hackers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known as APT35, or “Charming Kitten”. Most recently, Iranian hackers known as Black Shadow breached Israeli internet hosting company CyberServe, allegedly acquiring troves of personal data for which they demanded US$1 million ransom.
It should be no surprise that Iran has also been targeting Australia. AIJAC has previously covered some of these hacking efforts, including attempts against Australian shipbuilder Austal as well as Australian universities. Such operations targeting Australian companies, among others, are also conducted by the IRGC’s Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah.
In addition to its constant hacking, Iran’s disinformation network remains extremely active, something AIJAC has been tracking for several years. The media site Iran International recently obtained exclusive documents showing that “IRGC had prepared a detailed six-phase plan to disrupt US elections and create chaos in America.”
Iran’s cyber capabilities and terrorist attacks in cyberspace, however, are relatively unsophisticated, and it has suffered severe cyberattacks and embarrassing hacks recently. These include a cyberattack that crippled Iran’s fuel distribution network in October. Iran’s Mahan Air, which logistically facilitates the operations of the IRGC and its proxies, also recently suffered a cyberattack, although Iran claimed it was foiled.
Source » iranbriefing