Iran is reportedly grappling with a significant wave of cyberattacks targeting government agencies and critical infrastructure. The cyberattacks, which are said to have started on Saturday, have disrupted government operations and raised concerns about national security.
The cyber assaults followed Israel’s vow to retaliate against Iran for a recent missile barrage that targeted Israeli targets.As tensions continue to rise in the region, with conflicts intensifying in Gaza and Lebanon, Iran has found itself under increasing pressure both domestically and internationally.
Nuclear facilities also targeted
Abolhassan Firouzabadi, a former secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for Cyberspace, confirmed the cyberattacks, stating that sensitive information was stolen from targeted infrastructure. “Nearly all three branches of Iran’s government – the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive branch – have been hit by heavy cyberattacks, and their information was stolen,” Firouzabadi told Iran International. “Our nuclear facilities have also been targeted by cyberattacks, as well as networks like fuel distribution, municipal networks, transportation networks, ports, and similar sectors.”
In response to the cyber threat, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has announced a ban on electronic communication devices, such as pagers and walkie-talkies, on airplanes in cabins or checked baggage, except for mobile phones. This measure was taken as a precautionary step to mitigate potential risks associated with these devices, which could be exploited for malicious purposes.
US to send THAAD defense battery to Israel
The US is sending a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Israel, along with US troops to operate it. The Pentagon made the announcement just hours after Iran warned the US to keep its military forces out of Israel. The Pentagon made the announcement Sunday, October 13, shortly after Iran warned Washington to keep American military forces out of Israel.
Israel is widely believed to be preparing a military response to Iran’s October 1 attack when it fired roughly 180 missiles into Israel.