Cyber Hackers Claim To Have Disrupted Communication Networks of 116 Iranian Ships

A hacker group, Lab Dookhtegan has claimed to have targeted 116 Iranian Ships belonging to two major Iranian companies and disrupting their communication networks.

The Group wrote on Telegram that the companies were involved in several illegal activities and supplied munitions to the Houthis.

The cyber attack was carried out to coincide with the U.S. military operations against Houthis. It affected the ships’ communications with each other, ports and external communication networks, making it difficult for the ships to coordinate their actions.

50 ships of the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and 66 ships of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) were the targets of this attack.

It could take several weeks to fully restore the communication networks, said the hacker group, adding that this attack was only ‘the tip of the iceberg’.

Cyndome, a maritime security specialist, stated that communication devices are central to maritime operations and if they are hacked, then external parties can take over the control of the communications of the vessel and even spread to the IT and OT systems.

It also said that the fact that malicious commands were sent to 116 ships at the same time, shows extensive planning and great automation in the attack.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that several ships experienced GPS interference in the Hormuz Strait the previous week. The disruptions lasted many hours, impacting onboard navigation devices and prompting vessels to depend on backup measures.

However, neither the Iranian government officials nor the shipping companies that claimed to have been the target, have publicly commented on or denied the claims.

References: Risky Biz, Raksha Anirveda

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