Iranian Hackers Launch Cyber Attacks on Defense, Satellite, and Pharmaceutical Companies, Microsoft Reports

Iranian state-backed hackers have been targeting satellite, defense, and pharmaceutical firms in the US and globally, aiming to gather intelligence and potentially develop domestic production in these industries amidst heavy US sanctions. Microsoft analysts revealed that the hackers have successfully breached a few dozen organizations using a blunt hacking technique, highlighting their determination to access valuable intelligence. The sanctions have increased Iran's incentive to search for trade secrets held by foreign companies. The cyber-espionage campaign has continued throughout the summer, with the hackers employing a method of compromising identities by guessing common passwords. The Iranian government typically denies allegations of hacking, and the specific US companies breached have not been disclosed.