U.S. companies, global supply chains, and essential infrastructure might face threats from Iranian cyberattacks if President Trump escalates U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Reports indicate that Iranian cyberattacks on Israeli banks and other entities have surged by 700% since the beginning of last week.
This prompted a joint statement from both the U.S.-based Center for Food and Agricultural Information Analysis (ISAC) and the Center for Information Technology Information Sharing and Analytics (IT-ISAC). They urged U.S. companies to bolster their defenses against potential cyber threats.
The level of Trump’s involvement in the conflict and its effect on the nation’s cybersecurity landscape remain significant concerns, according to former CIA officer Tracy Walder, who spoke with News Nation.
Walder expressed that she sees this situation as the top threat. She mentioned that Iran has explicitly warned against U.S. support for Israel, and an “all-out war” could lead to cyberattacks targeting crucial infrastructure such as water treatment facilities.
“They’ve done it before, so there’s every reason to believe they’ll do so again,” Walder added, referring to Iran’s historical actions.
Iran’s History of Cyberattacks
The ISAC statement cautioned U.S. companies, referencing that Iranian state-sponsored actors, as well as pro-Iranian activists and cybercriminals, have attacked U.S. targets during similar heightened conflicts in the past.
Companies were advised to take immediate action to evaluate their cybersecurity measures in response to the latest missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. The guidance highlighted the importance of being prepared for potentially disruptive cyber activities.
“Preparation is crucial for resilience,” it noted, encouraging businesses to be aware of the cyber threats linked to Iran.
Although it’s uncertain how the information will reach Trump, Walder speculates that both the administration and U.S. intelligence are conducting ongoing threat assessments. She anticipates discussions surrounding cybersecurity protections in relation to U.S. commitments to provide military support.
During her time at the CIA, Walder highlighted the severity of the cyber threat posed by Iran and other foreign adversaries, emphasizing that both Iran and China are significant concerns.
Notably, seven Iranians were indicted for cyberattacks against U.S. financial institutions between 2011 and 2013, with the FBI estimating these actions cost American banks tens of millions of dollars.
Additionally, an attempted cyberattack on Boston Children’s Hospital in 2021 – which was attributed to the Iranian government – marks just one of several threats faced by the facility.
“Iran possesses significant capabilities in the cyber domain, and we shouldn’t underestimate that,” Walder remarked.
What Would These Cyberattacks Entail?
If Iran were to act, the response could involve state-sponsored ransomware and wiper malware attacks targeting U.S. infrastructure.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has recently flagged Iran-sponsored cyber activities, urging businesses to enhance their defenses by strengthening passwords and adopting multi-factor authentication.
Messages sent to CISA and the National Security Council for comments were not immediately replied to.
Warnings from the FBI over the past few years have underscored the risks from Iran, including cyberattacks that have inflicted measurable damage on the U.S. economy.
While critical infrastructure remains a major target, other sectors like the U.S. food supply chain might also be vulnerable. Walder cited a ransomware attack on United Natural Food Inc., a significant distributor to thousands of grocery stores.
As various tech services continue their recovery from that incident, it offers a glimpse of the consequences if the U.S. encounters similar attacks from Iran. Walder predicts that should Iran choose to strike, it will likely focus on private firms tied to essential needs and infrastructure.
“In my view, this is the new face of war,” Walder concluded.
