Iranian hackers target defence, satellite firms to gather secrets: Microsoft

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

hackers targeted satellite, defence, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide to gather intelligence and perhaps build up domestic production in these industries amid heavy US sanctions.

Since February, the hackers have successfully breached several organisations by applying a simple hacking technique, indicating the high level of determination from Tehran's hacking teams, according to Microsoft.

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The heavy sanctions imposed by the US on Iran have limited their access to military hardware and discouraged Western companies from sending medical supplies to the country. As a result, Iran has been compelled to look for trade secrets held by foreign firms, reports CNN.

The industries targeted by the hackers are those in which they might need to build domestic production due to difficulties in acquiring necessary resources as a result of the sanctions.

However, the exact reason for targeting satellite, defence, and pharmaceutical companies is unknown, the increased incentive created by the sanctions suggests that Iran is seeking valuable intelligence.

According to Microsoft analysts, the hackers have been breaking into email accounts by guessing common passwords in bulk until one of them works.

In some instances, intruders stole data from victim networks, while in others they monitored email accounts unnoticed. The hackers have been able to continue their operations without being detected