Iran Slows Internet to Counter Cyber Threats Amid Rising Tensions
Iran slows internet to counter cyber attacks following escalating tensions with Israel. The disruption began around 5:30 p.m. local time. NetBlocks reported a “significant reduction in traffic” during that time.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani described the slowdown as “temporary, targeted, and controlled,” aimed at preserving cybersecurity and deterring attacks.
Cyber Conflict Mirrors Missile Strikes
This digital move follows Israel’s recent military strike on Iran, which led to retaliatory missile exchanges. The conflict has now extended into cyberspace.
A pro-Israel hacktivist group, Predatory Sparrow, claimed it disrupted Bank Sepah’s systems, including its website and ATMs. The group accused the bank of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear efforts.
“This is what happens to institutions supporting terrorist fantasies,” the group posted on X.
Israel’s cyber capabilities are well documented, particularly the Stuxnet worm used to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program in the early 2010s.
Iranian-Linked Hackers Intensify Operations
In response, hacker groups affiliated with Iran have ramped up activities. According to Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity firm Radware, chatter has increased on Telegram among Iran-linked actors. Groups like Mysterious Team Bangladesh and Arabian Ghost have threatened Saudi Arabia and Jordan and claimed responsibility for taking down Israeli radio stations.
Iran’s Cyber Police (FATA) also warned citizens against using WhatsApp, alleging—without evidence—that Israel exploits the app for surveillance. WhatsApp denied these claims, saying it does not track users or share data with governments.
Read Also: Cyber Warfare Becomes the Silent Battlefield Between Israel and Iran
U.S. Targets Iranian Hacker Group
The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is offering a bounty for information on Cyber Av3ngers, a group linked to Iran’s IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC). The group is believed to use malware called IOCONTROL (also known as OrpaCrab) to infiltrate industrial control systems in the U.S., Israel, and allied nations.
“They pose a direct threat to critical infrastructure worldwide,” said the RFJ.
Final Thoughts
As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, both countries are using cyber warfare as a strategic weapon. Iran’s move to restrict internet access shows just how central digital tools have become in geopolitical power struggles.
Modern conflict is no longer confined to borders or missiles as Iran Slows internet to counter cyber attacks— it now includes malware, misinformation, and the race to control cyberspace.
