August 30, 2024 at 12:31AM
Iranian government-backed actors were reportedly using fake recruiting websites and social media accounts to target Farsi speakers suspected of collaborating with Iran’s enemies, including Israel. Google’s Mandiant team uncovered the operation, linking it to Iran’s regime and cyber unit APT42. The campaign’s purpose was to gather personal information and potentially intimidate and harm dissidents.
Summary:
– Iranian government-backed actors used fake recruiting websites and social media accounts to target Farsi speakers, both inside and outside Iran, to hunt down double agents and dissidents suspected of collaborating with the nation’s enemies, including Israel.
– Google-owned Mandiant’s threat intel team uncovered the activity and detailed it in a report.
– The campaign involved the creation of more than 35 fake job recruiting websites, promoting job offers and Israel-related content to lure Farsi speakers.
– The attackers gathered personal data such as names, birth dates, email addresses, and professional experience from users who interacted with the fake recruiting websites, creating data privacy and real-world safety issues.
– Microsoft revealed a series of cyberattacks targeting various sectors in the US and the United Arab Emirates, with ties to Iranian government-linked groups.
– Iranian cyberspy crews, including Pioneer Kitten, engaged in data theft and ransomware attacks, likely on behalf of Tehran.
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