In a new joint advisory issued on June 30, multiple U.S. government agencies — including CISA, the FBI, the NSA, and the DoD Cyber Crime Center — are warning that Iran or its affiliates could target U.S. defense contractors through cyberattacks. While there's no evidence yet of a coordinated campaign, agencies say firms linked to Israeli defense or research entities are at elevated risk. The warning comes amid heightened tensions after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military targets on June 13, followed by limited retaliation from Iran and U.S. involvement in hitting Iranian facilities.

Iran and Israel have long engaged in cyber operations, but recent military actions have raised the stakes. Iran is known for deploying tactics like data theft, ransomware, and espionage, often through advanced persistent threats (APTs).  U.S. defense firms should act now to strengthen their network defenses, continually monitor for suspicious activity especially those tied to Iranian APTs, review vendor and supply chain security, and ensure incident response plans are updated.

The bottom line is that a cyber threat from Iran is real and growing. Even without a full-scale campaign, targeted cyberattacks could compromise sensitive defense technologies or disrupt operations. The digital front is now an active battlefield. While individuals are likely not the target here, it's important to stay vigilant and ensure that you and your family follow best practices as it relates to online personal security. Questions about how to stay protected? Ask your wealth advisor or client service team to connect you with XML Fraud and Cybersecurity Resources. 

Check out the full article from Washington Examiner here.

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