Iran International reported a big cyber attack that disrupted the operations of the Central Bank of Iran and other banks in the country, causing their computer systems to be crippled.
This incident coincides with intensified international scrutiny of Iran’s operations in Middle East, as Teheran announced attacks on Israel unless a ceasefire is achieved in the Gaza conflict. Intelligence experts also blame Iran of attempting to influence the upcoming US Presidential election. According to Iran International, this is one of the biggest cyberattacks on Iran’s state infrastructure so far.
Earlier Wednesday, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that “The exaggeration of our enemies’ capabilities is intended to spread fear among our people by the US, Britain, and the Zionists. The enemies’ hand is not as strong as it is publicized. We must rely on ourselves. The enemy’s goal is to spread psychological warfare to push us into political and economic retreat and achieve its objectives.”
“This cyberattack comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny of Iran’s actions in the region as Iran vows to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this month. The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement warning Iran that it “will bear responsibility” for any attacks against Israel, which could further escalate regional tensions and jeopardize efforts towards a cease-fire and hostage-release deal.” reported the Israeli website Israel Hayom.
The Jerusalem post reads its a signal to Iran. The cyber attack is most likely a signal from the Western countries to Iran, that is, conveying a message that demonstrates how Iran can be harmed.
In December, there was a cyber attack on Iranian institutions. Many gas stations in the country were damaged. Iran blamed Israel and the US for the attack.
Israeli media later reported that a paper had been stuck onto ATM machines in Iran, which read, “Dear customers, it is impossible to withdraw money from this ATM. This is because all of Iran’s national budget and resources have been allocated to the wars and the corrupt religious leaders of the Islamic Republic regime. “We are very sorry.”
According to Iran International later on Wednesday, data was stolen during the attack.