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Iran May Resort To Cyber Attacks In Retaliation To U.S. Sanctioned Killing

According to a CNBC article, the U.S. killing of Iran’s top military officer may lead to retaliatory cyber attacks. This will not be a first-time use of this tactic and businesses are warned to be on the watch.

 

Relations between the U.S. and Iran reached a boiling point in the early hours of Friday 3rd January 2020. This is after news got out that America had killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s military Quds Forces.

 

The initial reactions on the internet were theories about the possibility of a third World War. Before day broke in some parts of the world, #WorldWar3, #WWIII, #Iran, #US and #Trump were trending among many other related words.

 

While in the culture of Twitter users, some started coining jokes and memes around the issue, others took it quite seriously. Users were coming up with possible backlashes of the assassination as well as what another World War would cause.

Iran’s limited option includes cyber attacks

However, it seems other world leaders are not willing to openly back Iran. And experts conclude that the nation may not be able to single-handedly start a World War. So, they may resort to one other thing they are good at, cyber attack.

 

U.S. Iran cyber attack
Iranians tear the U.S. flag in Iran. Photo: Newsweek.

 

They have shown what they can do when it comes to disrupting the flow of the internet and computer use. In 2012 and 2013, Iran had caused major problems for top U.S. banks all year long in response to a government action back then through cyber attacks.

 

Now, with Qasem Soleimani killed, Iran would likely want to avenge his death. He was one of the most powerful persons in the region recognised as the head of the Shiite Muslim state agencies.

 

Despite this, he is also fingered as one of the leaders who sponsored numerous terrorist activities in the region. He is not popular in the West, yet, his killing is not good news.

 

According to Encore analysts, his death would have unwanted results. In a note credited to Ken Talanian and Kirk Materne, they warn investors:

 

“Though the cyber security stocks typically are less reactionary to cyber headlines than they were in the past, we believe that significant events still help justify cybersecurity related spend across the industry,

 

“It is uncertain whether there are methodical attacks underway by Iran, but we believe it is likely that the near-term increased tension between Iran and the U.S. could result in reactionary cyberattacks.” 

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Peter Marta a partner at a cybersecurity company also mentioned that the fear is legit given the cyber abilities of Iranians. Marta said they are on the same level as Russia, China and North Korea.

 

One article on The Wired also points at some potential ways Iranian hackers are likely to launch their attacks. There is a possibility of using a “wiper malware” that can destroy computers inside a target’s network. Also, they may deploy some computer intrusion software that will disrupt activities in key places like the energy sector or government laboratories.

 

Another weapon in their arsenal is targeting, infiltrating and overriding industrial control systems. If this succeeds, they can do more than disrupt activities. With this ability, hackers could control power grids and water systems as well.

 

Although, the mode of the cyber attacks is not set in concrete yet. Many expect it and say it will likely come. This is because a high profile killing that gained much public awareness as this would require a response with almost the same magnitude to sure strength.

 

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Onwuasoanya Obinna

A reader of books and stringer of words. Passionate about Science and Tech. When not writing or reading he is surfing the web and Tweeting.

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