US says Iranian hackers tried to extort HBO
The Justice Department has unsealed an indictment accusing 17 Iranians of cyber crime and hacking campaigns against the US, one of which was directed at streaming service HBO. According to the indictment, members of the Iran-based Mabna Institute have tried to infiltrate US businesses, institutions and agencies since 2013. The Mabna Institute “conducted a co-ordinated campaign of cyber intrusions…
The Justice Department has charged 17 Iranians with cyber crimes and hacking campaigns against the United States, one of which targeted streaming service HBO. The Mabna Institute, based in Iran, has been conducting coordinated cyber intrusions since 2013, targeting US universities, foreign universities, private sector companies, federal and state government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
The indictment identifies Behzad Mesri, also known as Skote Vahshat, among the hackers who infiltrated HBO's computer systems, stealing proprietary data and attempting to extort the streaming service for around $6 million in Bitcoin. Some suspects could face up to 20 years in prison if apprehended. Recent years have seen increased focus on Iran's hacking efforts against the US, particularly since the conflict between the two nations began in late February.
Cyber officials suspect Iranian hackers are responsible for recent attacks on water infrastructure systems in multiple states. FBI Director Kash Patel's personal computer and email accounts were hacked by hackers linked to Iran in March, but those investigations are ongoing.
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