Cyberattacks Replace Missiles in Middle East Tensions
As the Israel and Iran conflict intensifies, the battlefield has expanded far beyond physical borders into cyberspace. While missile strikes and drone attacks have grabbed global headlines, an equally fierce war is underway behind computer screens. In recent weeks, both countries have launched aggressive cyber operations, with consequences spilling over into civilian life and even reaching American shores.
Cyberattacks have targeted Iran’s financial institutions and digital infrastructure, while Israel faces disinformation campaigns designed to sow fear and confusion. According to U.S. officials, the situation is escalating to a point where the United States could also become a target. Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, federal agencies have issued warnings about potential retaliatory attacks on critical American sectors such as water systems and power grids.
“Cyber is one of the tools of Iran’s asymmetric warfare,” said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. The National Terrorism Advisory System has raised concerns about Iran’s ability to exploit poorly secured U.S. networks. Although official U.S. cyber agencies have declined to comment, former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly has urged critical infrastructure operators to stay alert and strengthen digital defenses.
Major Cyber Hits on Financial and Media Networks
Last week, a wave of sophisticated cyberattacks severely disrupted Iranian financial systems. A pro-Israeli hacking group, Predatory Sparrow, claimed responsibility for bringing down Bank Sepah and stealing $90 million from Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The hackers also exposed the platform’s source code online, deepening the financial chaos.
Iranian state television was also compromised, with broadcasts displaying anti-regime messages. In response, the Iranian government implemented a near-total internet shutdown, an attempt to prevent further digital sabotage and limit the spread of anti-government sentiment. Analysts believe this blackout was designed to suppress any public mobilization and regain control over the information flow.
“Gaining control of the flow of information is certainly to be expected from the regime,” said Vatanka, emphasizing Tehran’s concern over internal unrest.
Top Iranian officials were reportedly advised to avoid using internet-connected devices, fearing further Israeli disruptions. This echoes past incidents, such as a cyberattack that exploded Hezbollah’s communication devices, causing widespread injuries across Lebanon.
Israel and Iran, and the Global Ripple Effect
While Israel and Iran is widely regarded as having superior cyber capabilities, Iran and its proxies have also mounted digital offensives. These include targeting Israeli civilians through phishing websites, hacking into internet-connected cameras, and flooding social media with false information during emergencies. One disinformation campaign even tried to dissuade people from seeking shelter during air raids.
Gil Messing of Check Point Software observed a surge in digital threats against Israel last week, including attempts at psychological manipulation and espionage. John Hultquist of Google’s Threat Intelligence Group warned that Iranian hackers often use cyberattacks for surveillance, especially targeting hospitality, travel, and telecommunications sectors to track individuals of interest.
As cyber warfare increasingly becomes a tool of international conflict, experts caution that these digital skirmishes are not isolated. They could easily entangle other global powers, especially those allied with either side, making cybersecurity a vital part of national defense in today’s geopolitical landscape.
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