The pro-Israeli hacktivist group Predatory Sparrow, also known as Gonjeshke Darande, has claimed responsibility for hacking and taking down Iran’s Bank Sepah. The group stated that the bank was involved in circumventing international sanctions and financing the regime’s activities. Reports of widespread banking disruptions in Iran have emerged, with Bank Sepah branches closed and customers unable to access their accounts.
Alleged cyberattack and impacts
There are reports of ATMs displaying error messages in Iran, indicating the extent of the alleged cyberattack. Despite efforts to verify the hack, messages to Bank Sepah’s Iranian email addresses returned errors, and affiliates in the U.K. and Italy did not respond to inquiries. Predatory Sparrow has not commented on the incident.
Background and previous attacks
The hack on Bank Sepah occurs amidst ongoing conflicts between Israel and Iran, with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military bases. Predatory Sparrow has a history of targeting Iranian companies and organizations, with past attacks on steel plants and gas stations. Experts note that the group has demonstrated tangible effects in Iran through its cyber operations.
Conclusion
The actions of Predatory Sparrow highlight the role of hacktivist groups in cyber warfare and geopolitical conflicts. As tensions between Israel and Iran continue, the impact of such cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and financial institutions remains a significant concern.
