Massive cyberattack rocks Central Bank of Iran, computer system paralyzed - report

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and other banks were targeted on Wednesday as part of a significant cyber attack that led to widespread disruptions in the country's banking system, Iran International reported.

#BREAKING A major cyberattack has targeted the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and several other banks, leading to widespread disruptions in the country’s banking system, @IranIntl has learned. Initial assessments indicate this could be one of the largest cyberattacks ever against… pic.twitter.com/6TiuNrxosL

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) August 14, 2024

According to reports, all the computer systems of the banks in Iran were paralyzed following the cyber attack. Initial estimates indicated that this could be one of the largest-ever cyberattacks against Iranian state infrastructure.

A signal to Iran?

The cyber attack is most likely a signal from the Western countries to Iran, that is, conveying a message that demonstrates how Iran can be harmed. 

The last cyber attack carried out against Iranian institutions took place last December when a significant part of the gas stations in the country were damaged as part of a cyber attack, which the Iranians attributed to Israel and the US.

Israeli media later reported that a paper had been stuck onto ATM machines in Iran, which read, "Dear customers, it is impossible to withdraw money from this ATM. This is because all of Iran's national budget and resources have been allocated to the wars and the corrupt religious leaders of the Islamic Republic regime. "We are very sorry."

According to Iran International later on Wednesday, data was stolen during the attack. 

This is a developing story.