The U.S. utilized cyberattacks on Iran
If there was any lingering doubt that cyber would be the next battleground between countries, that confirmation was had as the US opted to attack Iran using cyber strikes rather than traditional military ones. The fallout from such an attack will likely spur demand for cyber and other solutions tied to our Safety & Security investing theme.
The U.S. covertly launched offensive cyber operations against an Iranian intelligence group’s computer systems on Thursday, the same day President Trump pulled back on using more traditional methods of military force, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
The cyberstrikes, which were approved by Mr. Trump, targeted computer systems used to control missile and rocket launches that were chosen months ago for potential disruption, the officials said. The strikes were carried out by U.S. Cyber Command and in coordination with U.S. Central Command.
The officials declined to provide specific details about the cyberattacks, but one said they didn’t involve loss of life and were deemed “very” effective. They came during the peak of tensions this week between the U.S. and Iran over a series of incidents across the Middle East, including Tehran’s shooting down of an American reconnaissance drone.
