ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – With tensions still high between Israel and Iran, the potential for cyber-attacks is a growing concern. And we’re not just talking big-picture attacks on our government — but direct attacks on things like your laptop or smart watch.
Despite the ceasefire, the Department of Homeland Security has issued a 90-day advisory warning that cyber threats remain very real. That alert says poorly secured U.S. networks and internet-connected devices, like laptops, smart phones and even fitness trackers, are all targets.
Paul Keener is a cybersecurity strategist with GuidePoint Security. He says while the missile strikes may be paused for now, that doesn’t mean the cybersecurity threat is over.
Keener says Iran is very skilled at using so-called “hacktivists” groups to carry out attacks around the world.
“If you’re Iran, you’re still trying to influence the rest of the world saying ‘Listen, I still have a position here, I still have the ability to play into creating issues for the rest of the world if I want.’ Maybe not from a physical threat perspective but certainly from a cyber threat,” Keener said.
Keener says Iran often leans on ransomware groups and social engineering tactics like a scammer sending fake emails, calling you, texting you, and more.
That means we could see an uptick in ransomware attacks and strikes against critical infrastructure, like when Iran-affiliated and pro-Russia cyber attackers gained access and manipulated critical U.S. industrial control systems in the food, agriculture, healthcare and water sectors back in 2024. Keener says we could even see targeted attacks on companies Iran feels are directly supporting Israel.
“A lot of it is going to look like everyday things we are dealing with now,” Keener said. “So, the good thing is, is that all the things’ companies are doing now, like GuidePoint who does incident response if you feel like you’ve been breached or are doing basic blocking and tackling cyber.”
Keener said cyber-attacks are best addressed by patching, letting people know to be careful about email or text attacks. He says it deals with about 80% of the issues.
Now if you’ve individually been impacted by something like this, the FBI has an Internet Crime Complaint Center where you can file a report.
It’s not just cybersecurity experts urging caution; law enforcement agencies across our hometowns say they are also on high alert and are ready to respond if needed.
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