As tensions between Iran and the United States escalate, a hacking campaign by Iranian-affiliated hackers has targeted industrial control devices in critical U.S. infrastructure, including energy and water utilities.

The joint advisory from the FBI, NSA, Department of Energy, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns that these hackers have compromised programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to potentially cause system downtime or dangerous conditions.

Experts highlight the persistent nature of Iran-linked hacking groups like CyberAv3ngers, who previously targeted industrial control systems in Israel and the U.S. Their actions, which included reprogramming devices with malicious code, underscore a sophisticated cyber threat that has evolved beyond mere vandalism.

In response to these threats, Rockwell Automation emphasizes its commitment to product security.

The recent attacks may signal an intensification of Iran's cyber operations as the conflict extends. Following initial airstrikes, US Cyber Command acknowledged disabling Iranian defenses through cyberattacks, while groups like Handala have responded with their own digital countermeasures.