Experts warn of increase in Iran-linked cyberattacks

Cybersecurity experts are warning of an "increase" in criminal activity linked to the Iranian state.

Their warnings come after the government's cyber intelligence center notified companies of "an increased risk" of cyberattacks following the attacks on Iran.

A threat intelligence team at Nozomi Networks Labs reported seeing increased activity from three major groups linked to the country, with the manufacturing and transportation sectors most targeted.

However, what worries analysts at Nozomi the most is the type of activity they are seeing.

They say cybercriminals are not attacking yet.

Instead, they are trying to gain access to systems by "silently mapping environments and validating access."

"They have not yet resorted to destructive actions," said a Nozomi spokesman.

Another cybersecurity expert warned that this growing cyber threat, along with the physical threats of war, was "unfortunately a snapshot of what modern warfare really looks like."

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, said: "In addition to physical attacks, there are strong indications of widespread digital disruption aimed at degrading communications and increasing confusion at critical moments.

"Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks can disrupt communication, which is vital in times like these.

Yesterday, the UK's National Cyber ​​Security Centre told organisations to prepare for attacks by reading up on different types of attacks and signing up for its early warning service.

Organizations with offices or supply chains in the region should adapt their "cybersecurity posture," potentially increasing monitoring and reviewing any external vulnerabilities, she said.