World News
U.K., U.S. and Netherlands Warn of Iranian Spyware Targeting Dissidents and Journalists
Intelligence agencies in the U.K., U.S. and Netherlands have uncovered spyware attributed to actors linked to the Iranian regime. According to the report, it was used to monitor dissidents, human rights activists and journalists.
IllustrationBritain’s National Cyber Security Centre, the NCSC, issued a joint cyber warning today (Tuesday) with the U.K., U.S. and Netherlands. The statement said that a digital espionage operation attributed to actors linked to the Iranian regime had been uncovered.
According to the statement, the operation primarily targets dissidents, human rights activists and journalists, and relies on spyware known as "CHOSEN BRICK." The spyware operates mainly through the messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram. The attackers impersonate people known to the victim or figures who appear trustworthy, persuading them to open malicious links or files.
The hackers then steal emails, conversation content, contact lists and other information. The spyware can also take screenshots and activate the device’s microphone without the user’s knowledge. In some cases, stolen information was used to publish victims’ personal details on websites identified with Iran. It is believed that the espionage operation is part of a broader effort to suppress criticism and pressure opponents of the regime even beyond the country’s borders.
