# Iranian Cyber Threats Persist Despite Ceasefire, US Intelligence Warns

Despite the recent declaration of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and ongoing negotiations towards a permanent solution to the conflict, US intelligence agencies are warning that cyber threats from Iran-backed actors and hacktivist groups may still persist.

The warning has been issued by four US federal agencies in a security advisory published on June 30. The document highlights the risks posed by Iranian-affiliated cyber actors and hacktivists who may conduct malicious cyber activity against poorly secured US networks and internet-connected devices. These attacks could be triggered by weak passwords or the exploitation of known or unknown vulnerabilities in unpatched or outdated software.

The advisory notes that these malicious cyber actors also have a specific interest in targeting operational technology (OT). They use system engineering and diagnostic tools to target entities such as engineering and operator devices, performance and security systems, vendor and third-party maintenance and monitoring systems. This level of sophistication underscores the potential for significant disruptions to critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, Iranian-aligned hacktivists may engage in website defacements and leaks of sensitive information exfiltrated from victims. In some cases, these groups may collaborate with financially motivated entities to deploy ransomware and cyber extortion campaigns against US organizations.

The advisory emphasizes that companies within the US Defense Industrial Base (DIB), particularly those with holdings or relationships with Israeli research and defense firms, are at increased risk. The DIB encompasses a wide array of companies, both domestic and foreign, that provide essential goods and services to the US Department of Defense (DoD). This includes entities involved in defense research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance of military equipment.

To mitigate these cyber threats from Iran-aligned hacking groups, US-based organizations are advised to take several precautions. Recommendations include:

* Implementing robust security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and regular software updates * Conducting thorough risk assessments and vulnerability testing * Establishing incident response plans and conducting regular training for employees * Monitoring networks and systems for suspicious activity

The advisory was signed by the FBI, the NSA, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the DoD's Cyber Crime Center (DC3). It comes on the heels of a warning issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to US citizens about a heightened risk of cyber-attacks by Iran state-sponsored threat actors and hacktivist groups following American military strikes against Iranian targets.

As tensions in the region continue to escalate, it is clear that cybersecurity remains a critical concern for both the US government and private sector organizations. By taking proactive steps to protect their networks and systems, companies can reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats from Iran-aligned hacking groups.