The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a warning of increased threats to cybersecurity and public safety following recent U.S. military actions against Iran. The bulletin, released Sunday, follows the U.S. military’s targeted bombing of key Iranian nuclear facilities amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iran. The response has prompted concerns over retaliatory actions by Iranian operatives and affiliated groups.
DHS cautioned that Iranian government-affiliated operatives, along with sympathetic hacktivists, are likely to engage in low-level cyberattacks targeting U.S. networks. The bulletin highlighted vulnerabilities in poorly secured systems with weak password, such as municipal water utilities and internet-connected devices, which could serve as potential targets.
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Cybersecurity professionals are being urged to bolster defenses immediately and monitor for unusual activities as tensions in the region escalate.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Iran conflict, DHS has observed an increase in the dissemination of media releases by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) — including HAMAS, Lebanese Hizballah, and others — that have called for violence against U.S. personnel and assets in the Middle East.
Heightened Security Concerns for Government Officials, Critics of Iranian Regime, Supporters of Israel
The DHS bulletin also highlighted an elevated risk to specific groups, such as U.S. government officials and critics of the Iranian regime. Additionally, the public statement pointed to an increased likelihood of antisemitic violence and extremist acts within the U.S. homeland.
“The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence,” the statement noted.
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Homeland terrorist attacks motivated by antisemitic or anti-Israel sentiment have already been documented in recent years. The current conflict could potentially serve as a catalyst for new plots, DHS warned.
History of Iranian-Backed Activities
The statement said U.S. law enforcement has disrupted several Iran-linked plots targeting U.S.-based individuals since 2020, reflecting a broader pattern of Iranian-backed threats on domestic soil. Iranian operatives have also been implicated in attempts to target critics of Tehran’s regime, although these assassination attempts have largely been thwarted.
The bulletin urges law enforcement agencies and relevant organizations to remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for heightened security and rapid response planning.
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The Iranian government has publicly condemned U.S. military engagement in the conflict. However, DHS warns that potential retaliatory efforts, whether through cyber means or acts of violence, could escalate depending on Tehran’s response.
Businesses, critical infrastructure operators, and individuals are being encouraged to prioritize cybersecurity enhancements and seek guidance from law enforcement if suspicious activities are detected.
