A high-tech digital illustration showing a world map with red and orange cyber threat indicators over Iran and the United States. Abstract elements like circuit lines, binary code, and network nodes suggest hacking activity. The image reflects the global cybersecurity threat posed by Iranian hackers, as warned by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

CISA U.S. Cybersecurity Alert: Iranian Hackers Target Vulnerable Networks

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A high-tech digital illustration showing a world map with red and orange cyber threat indicators over Iran and the United States. Abstract elements like circuit lines, binary code, and network nodes suggest hacking activity. The image reflects the global cybersecurity threat posed by Iranian hackers, as warned by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Nationwide Cybersecurity Alert

Federal agencies have issued a warning about a heightened threat from Iran-affiliated cyber actors. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, the NSA, and the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center issued a joint alert on June 30, 2025. They urge all U.S. critical infrastructure operators to prepare for potential cyberattacks from Iranian state-linked groups and hacktivists.

Targets Identified

Iranian cyber actors are eyeing networks in the defense, energy, water, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Entities tied to Israeli companies face increased risk.

These actors exploit outdated systems, weak passwords, and unpatched software. They prefer opportunistic strikes using well-known vulnerabilities.

Methods of Attack

Cybercriminals linked to Iran rely on brute-force password attacks, default credentials, and stolen data. Some use ransomware in cooperation with global criminal groups.

They also weaponize industrial tools to disrupt operational technology, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). PLCs are like the brains that tell machines what to do, and HMIs are the screens people use to control and check those machines. As you can imagine, disrupting their functioning can be a problem.

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Track Record of Disruption

Between November 2023 and January 2024, Iranian actors compromised systems in critical U.S. sectors. These intrusions coincided with the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Victims included companies in the water, energy, food, and healthcare sectors. They exploited systems exposed online with factory-set passwords or no protection.

Defacement and Data Leaks

Hacktivists defaced websites and leaked sensitive data during prior campaigns. One notable breach hit a U.S. IPTV provider.

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These actions damaged reputations and caused financial losses. Their goal is to undermine trust in network security and embarrass victims.

Mitigation Recommendations

Authorities recommend disconnecting critical systems from the internet and enforcing strong passwords. Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) is vital.

They urge companies to patch systems, monitor access logs, and establish robust recovery plans. (EDITORIAL NOTE: This should be happening already.)

READ THE JOINT ALERT
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Martin Hinton

Martin Hinton is the Executive Editor and Publisher of Cyber Insurance News and Information. With over three decades of journalism experience across six continents, his work encompasses investigative reporting, documentaries, and coverage of cultural, political, and business news. To learn more about his career, click on his name to visit his LinkedIn page.

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