Iran may respond to U.S. airstrikes with potent cyberattacks, using digital disruption as a weapon of influence and plausible deniability.
Iran could unleash a range of cyberattacks against the United States in response to the recent airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, according to national security officials and cybersecurity analysts. These are the folks who caution that any retaliation may be designed to fly just under the radar of a major U.S. military response.
Despite no immediate reports of Iranian cyber offensives as of Monday (June 23), officials remain on alert. The Washington Post reports the Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin warning that “low-level cyberattacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely.” Also, they say state-sponsored groups could also be preparing more covert intrusions.
Iran’s cyber arsenal has grown exponentially since the 2009 discovery of Stuxnet, a joint U.S.-Israeli operation that damaged Tehran’s uranium enrichment program. In the years since, Iran has moved from novice to heavyweight in cyberwarfare. These attacks crippled tens of thousands of computers in 2012, and the Sands Casino in 2014 after its owner publicly backed Israel.
Experts suggest Iran may once again opt for asymmetric cyber tactics with precision disruption aimed at sowing anxiety and projecting strength. “Cyber is kind of the one thing to conduct operations on the U.S. homeland and potentially not trigger a redline response,” Adam Meyers, senior vice president at cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, said.
Iran-linked digital operatives have already taken credit for hacks targeting Israel amid ongoing regional conflict, including breaches of missile alert systems and document leaks. Over the weekend, pro-Iran groups posted threats to U.S. infrastructure on Telegram and X (formerly Twitter), though none have yet materialized into visible actions.
According to Google’s John Hultquist, much of this is psychological warfare that can influence both global media and its domestic audience.
“If you get the right misleading evidence and get someone moving fast enough, you might get that reported as much more significant than it was,” Hultquist said. “One powerful headline might be enough to take back to their domestic audience.”
Iran has also shown a willingness to play a long game. In 2020, following the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, many expected a swift cyber response. Instead, Iran quietly ramped up espionage efforts. Then, the U.S. intelligence uncovered plots against people like National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Officials say the absence of immediate, visible cyberattacks doesn’t mean Iran is inactive. They might just be waiting.The U.S. is bracing for retaliation. And yes, people are stressed.
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