US agencies issue alert over Iranian cyberattacks on critical infrastructure

A joint warning from the FBI, NSA, and CISA on Monday said Iranian hackers have stepped up cyberattacks against American critical infrastructure. The advisory did not specify targets but noted the hackers are using more aggressive methods in response to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The FBI, NSA, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released the alert after observing a rise in malicious activity linked to Iranian state actors. Officials said the hackers are exploiting vulnerabilities in industrial control systems, which manage essential services like power grids and water supplies. According to the advisory, the hackers have shifted from traditional espionage to more destructive operations. This includes deploying ransomware and attempting to disrupt critical services. The agencies did not provide details on successful breaches but emphasized the seriousness of the threat. The warning follows months of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Earlier this year, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Iran has vowed retaliation, and cyber operations are seen as a key tool in its response strategy. American companies and government agencies have been urged to review their cybersecurity measures. The FBI and CISA recommended patching known vulnerabilities and monitoring networks for unusual activity. The advisory also called for sharing threat intelligence to counter the growing risk. Source: techcrunch.com