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Iranian advanced persistent threat (APT) groups have significantly escalated their cyberattacks against critical U.S. infrastructure, with a notable 133% surge in activity observed during May and June 2025. The transportation and manufacturing sectors have been identified as the primary targets of these intensified operations. This trend aligns with ongoing geopolitical tensions, as well as recent warnings issued by U.S. authorities like CISA and the Department of Homeland Security, which highlighted U.S. entities as prime targets for Iranian cyber actors.
Nozomi Networks Labs reported a total of 28 distinct cyber incidents linked to Iranian APTs during May and June, a substantial increase from the 12 incidents recorded in the preceding two months. Among the most active groups identified are MuddyWater, which targeted at least five U.S. companies primarily in the transportation and manufacturing sectors, and APT33, responsible for attacks on at least three U.S. entities. Other groups such as OilRig, CyberAv3ngers, Fox Kitten, and Homeland Justice were also observed conducting attacks against U.S. companies in these critical industries. The resurfacing of the Iranian-backed Pay2Key ransomware, now operating as Pay2Key.I2P, further highlights the evolving threat landscape. This ransomware-as-a-service operation, linked to the Fox Kitten APT group, is reportedly offering an 80% profit share to affiliates targeting Iran's adversaries, including the U.S. and Israel. This financially motivated scheme has also demonstrated an ideological commitment, with claims of over 51 successful ransom payouts, netting substantial profits. The use of the Invisible Internet Project (I2P) for its infrastructure represents a notable shift in RaaS operations, potentially enhancing its evasiveness.
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Rescana@Rescana
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Amidst escalating regional conflicts, Iran has taken the drastic measure of shutting down internet access for its citizens, a move the government defends as a necessary precaution against Israeli cyberattacks. This disruption has severely impacted communication within the country, leaving Iranians abroad unable to connect with loved ones. One such individual, Amir Rashidi, expressed his anxiety, stating he hadn't heard from his family in two days and was relying on someone else for updates. The situation highlights the growing intersection of cyber warfare and real-world consequences for civilians.
The internet blackout is not the first instance of Iran limiting connectivity. In the past, similar restrictions were imposed during periods of political unrest, such as protests in 2019 and 2022. These shutdowns are implemented by pushing people towards domestic apps, which are often less secure, while also severely restricting access to vital information. Experts like Doug Madory from Kentik have documented significant drops in internet connectivity within Iran following recent Israeli airstrikes, with reductions of 54% initially, followed by further declines of 49% and, subsequently, a staggering 90%. In a defensive maneuver against cyber threats, Iran is throttling its National Internet Infrastructure. The country claims it is restricting internet connectivity to counter cyber attacks amid regional conflict. The stated aim is to impede cyber intrusions and the synchronization of adversarial operations. An example of the threats Iran faces is demonstrated by the Israeli-linked hackers who seized and burned $90 million from Iran's Nobitex exchange.
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