Iran cyber attacks and Israel cyber operations expand digital battlefield in the Middle East conflict
As U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran continue in the air and at sea, another battle is intensifying online. The growing cyber war between Iran and its adversaries has triggered a wave of hacker attacks, digital espionage, and cyber sabotage targeting governments, companies, and infrastructure across multiple regions.
Iran-linked hackers target U.S. companies
Recent reports suggest that Iran-aligned hackers are increasing cyber activity against American and international targets. A cyberattack allegedly linked to pro-Iran hackers disrupted operations at Stryker, a major U.S. medical technology company, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Stryker confirmed it experienced a “global network disruption” affecting its Microsoft systems, though the company said it has found no signs of ransomware or malware and believes the situation is now contained.
The same hacker group also claimed responsibility for hacking Verifone, a U.S.-based payments company. However, Verifone reported no evidence of a breach or service disruption.
Cybersecurity analysts say these incidents reflect a broader rise in Iranian cyber attacks following recent military strikes against Tehran.
Israel targets Iran’s cyber infrastructure
At the same time, Israel has reportedly launched cyber operations against Iran’s digital infrastructure. Israeli forces recently carried out a large-scale strike in Tehran, targeting facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to the Israeli military, the strike hit the IRGC’s cyber and electronic headquarters as well as its Intelligence Directorate, both considered key hubs for Iranian cyber activities.
Meanwhile, Iran has experienced a near-total internet blackout since the start of the U.S. and Israeli attacks, severely limiting information coming out of the country.
Hacktivist groups increase cyber attacks
Cybersecurity companies say pro-Iran hacktivist groups have significantly increased operations since the escalation began.
Research from CrowdStrike indicates that Iranian-aligned hackers have targeted financial institutions, government systems, and critical infrastructure across the Middle East, the United States, and Asia.
One group known as Hydro Kitten, which is believed to operate on behalf of the IRGC, has reportedly prepared attacks on the financial sector.
Other pro-Iran hacker groups claim they have launched cyberattacks against Israeli payment systems, Kuwaiti government websites, and airport digital services.
Cyber researchers also reported that Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16) collaborated with Iranian hackers to target Israeli organizations, including defense contractor Elbit Systems.
Cyber warfare used as strategic weapon
Experts say Iran relies heavily on cyber operations because it lacks the same level of conventional military power as the United States and Israel.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Tehran has historically used cyberattacks and proxy hacker groups as key tools for retaliation.
Meanwhile, Israel and the United States are also using advanced cyber capabilities, including AI-driven intelligence tools, to support military operations.
Reports indicate that Israel even hacked a popular Iranian prayer app to send messages encouraging military personnel to defect from the regime.
In another operation, Israeli intelligence reportedly gained access to traffic cameras across Tehran, helping gather data used to guide airstrikes.
Cyber battlefield growing alongside military conflict
Security analysts warn that the expanding cyber war between Iran, Israel, and the United States could intensify alongside the traditional battlefield.
With hackers targeting financial systems, infrastructure, and government networks, the digital conflict is becoming a critical front in modern warfare, affecting both military operations and civilian technology systems.
Source: AXIOS