Iranian Banks, Infrastructure Hit by Major Cyberattacks Amid Israel-Iran Strain

A major cyberattack has targeted Iran’s Bank Sepah, a key financial institution linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), disrupting ATM services and online banking nationwide. The pro-Israel hacker group Predatory Sparrow claimed responsibility, stating they wiped all data from the bank, which they accused of facilitating sanctions evasion and funding Iran's missile and nuclear programs. This cyber operation is part of a broader Israeli campaign involving airstrikes and sabotage against Iranian military and nuclear sites, aiming to sow confusion within the regime. Iran confirmed the attack and warned of disruptions extending to fuel stations tied to the bank’s infrastructure, while imposing restrictions on government officials’ use of social media-connected devices. The incident highlights the escalating cyber warfare between Iran and Israel, with each side targeting critical infrastructure in a tit-for-tat conflict. Additionally, Iran retaliated with a cyberattack on Israeli digital infrastructure, disrupting national television broadcasts and sending panic-inducing messages to citizens, illustrating the growing role of cyber operations in their ongoing hostilities.