Major cyberattack cripples Iran’s operations in several government branches and nuclear facilities as of October 12, 2024, raising concerns about the security of its critical infrastructure. Stolen vital information might have been held during breach, according to preliminary reports.

This cyber attack took place when tensions in the region were on the rise, as Israel claimed Iran had responded to its missile volleys that it had recently launched. The long conflict in Gaza and daily skirmishes along Lebanon’s borders have further strained regional tensions, raising geopolitical pressures surrounding this cyber incident.

It officially did not attribute it to any actor. Speculation runs that it was a retaliatory attack in response perhaps to Iran’s recent warnings regarding Israel responding to Iranian military operations. Analysts say attacks might also be a proof of concept showing what may be just the beginning of a bigger campaign going after strategic infrastructure throughout the region.