Cyberattack cripples state-owned bank in Iran

A cyberattack on Tuesday severely disrupted operations at Sepah Bank, one of Iran's main state-owned banks, according to a news report.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of intensifying aerial conflict between Iran and its longstanding rival, Israel.

“A cyberattack targeted the infrastructure of Sepah Bank, causing disruptions to the institution’s online services,” reported the Fars news agency, noting that the problem was anticipated to be resolved within a few hours.

A hacking group linked to Israel has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, known as “Gonjeshke Darande” or “Predatory Sparrow,” posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it had “conducted cyberattacks which destroyed the data of” Bank Sepah.

The group further accused the bank of being involved in illicit activities.

“Bank Sepah was an institution that circumvented international sanctions and used the people of Iran’s money to finance the regime’s terrorist proxies, its ballistic missile program and its military nuclear program,” the group wrote.

“This is what happens to institutions dedicated to maintaining the dictator’s terrorist fantasies. We thank the brave Iranians whose help made this operation possible,” it adds.