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An Iranian-linked hacking group has threatened a large-scale cyber attack targeting the United States' critical infrastructure, including energy, water supply, and communications. According to NBC, the Iranian hacking group 'APT Iran' warned via Telegram that "the United States will soon witness unexpected catastrophic events in its energy, water, and communication sectors." However, there have been no confirmed instances of significant damage to US energy supply, water operations, or communication networks due to these attacks so far.
US authorities are strengthening their defensive posture in anticipation of potential attacks from Iranian hackers. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that Iranian hackers may attempt to infiltrate the internet-connected control systems of US water facilities, urging infrastructure operators to enhance their security measures. In the past, hackers linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have attacked US water facilities.
This threat comes amid heightened military tensions between the US and Iran. The US Central Command reported that it struck IRGC targets in Iran in response to attempts by the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to attack commercial vessels and local US troops in the Strait of Hormuz. There are concerns that Iran's retaliation could extend beyond military facilities to cyber attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the US. US authorities are advising key infrastructure operators to protect internet-exposed operational technology equipment and to implement strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.