- Iran slowed its internet nationwide to hinder potential cyber operations by Israel following recent missile attacks between the two countries.
- Officials in Iran stated the slowdown aims to maintain internet stability and prevent cyberattacks, with access data showing a major drop in web traffic.
- A pro-Israeli group, Predatory Sparrow, claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Iran’s Bank Sepah, affecting its website and ATMs.
- Cybersecurity firms have reported increased activity from hacktivist groups linked to both Iran and Israel, and threats against other regional countries.
- The U.S. Department of State named Iranian Hackers for targeting infrastructure with the IOCONTROL Malware, while Iranian authorities warned citizens about messaging apps they claim are used for spying.
Iran reduced internet access countrywide in mid-June 2025. Government officials said this measure is meant to block possible covert cyberattacks by Israel, days after military tensions rose between the two countries.
Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani and the Iranian Cyber Police stated that the internet slowdown is temporary and controlled. According to data from NetBlocks, Iran saw a significant decrease in web traffic around 5:30 p.m. local time. Officials said the slowdown is designed to “ward off cyber attacks” and keep the internet stable for essential services.
This decision followed further escalation of the conflict, as Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks since Friday. In cyberspace, a group called Predatory Sparrow, which supports Israel, said it carried out a cyberattack that disrupted Bank Sepah’s website and ATMs. The group called the bank an institution that “circumvented international sanctions” and used public funds for activities like funding proxies and missile programs. “This is what happens to institutions dedicated to maintaining the dictator’s terrorist fantasies,” the group said in a statement.
Cybersecurity company Radware reported a rise in activity from threat actors associated with Iran, based on public and private Telegram channels. Groups including Mysterious Team Bangladesh and Arabian Ghost have threatened surrounding states such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia if they support Israel, and they claimed responsibility for disabling Israeli radio stations.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities advised citizens to delete WhatsApp, alleging the app was being used by Israel for surveillance, though no evidence was given. WhatsApp denied these claims and stated, “It does not provide bulk information to any government.”
The U.S. State Department separately sought information on Iranian hackers who allegedly targeted critical infrastructure in the U.S., Israel, and other countries using malware called IOCONTROL (also known as OrpaCrab) to access Industrial Control Systems (ICS). The hackers, called Cyber Av3ngers, allegedly used this malware to compromise sectors such as energy and utilities worldwide.
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