Facebook alerted US gov’t of Iranian cyberattack

Victor Barreiro Jr.

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Facebook alerted US gov’t of Iranian cyberattack
Iranian hackers identify specific individuals within the US State Department who focused 'on Iran and the Middle East and broke into their email and social media accounts'

MANILA, Philippines – Facebook’s new notifications system – which warns users if their accounts have been compomised through a state-sponsored attack – made waves this week, following a report from the New York Times that said Facebook was the first to alert US State Department officials of intrusions into employees’ social media accounts.

The November 24 report said that Iranian hackers identified specific individuals within the US State Department who focused “on Iran and the Middle East and broke into their email and social media accounts.”

The State Department only grew aware of the compromises following Facebook’s notice to the victims of the intrusion.

The cyberattacks follow a deal with Iran to ensure the country does not acquire an nuclear bomb in return for relief from sanctions. 

According to one anonymous senior American official in the report, “It was very carefully designed and showed the degree to which they understood which of our staff was working on Iran issues now that the nuclear deal is done.” 

James R. Clapper Jr, director of US National Intelligence, told the US Congress in closed sessions that state-sponsored Iranian hackers might not attempt attacks that could get in the way of the benefits of the nuclear deal, even as the hackers ramp up cyberespionage efforts.

Meanwhile, James Lewis, who runs the cyberprogram at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said of Iran’s cyberattacks, “The Iranians have not been as destructive as they could be, but they are getting far more aggressive in cyberespionage, which they know is less likely to prompt a response from the United States.”

He added, “They seem very attuned to every stage of implementing the nuclear agreement.” Rappler.com

Typing on laptop on dark background image via Shutterstock

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Victor Barreiro Jr.

Victor Barreiro Jr is part of Rappler's Central Desk. An avid patron of role-playing games and science fiction and fantasy shows, he also yearns to do good in the world, and hopes his work with Rappler helps to increase the good that's out there.