Hackers sew lips on Iran’s merchant fleet again

In a significant escalation of cyber warfare, the hacker group Lab Dookhtegan has claimed responsibility for disrupting communications across a large portion of the Iranian merchant fleet. This incident marks the second major attack in just five months, targeting key Iranian shipping companies. The group stated that it successfully hacked into the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), affecting operations on 39 tankers and 25 containerships.

Details of the Cyber Attack

Lab Dookhtegan, whose name translates to “Sewn Lips,” announced the breach via the London-based TV channel Iran International. According to the group, the attack involved infiltrating the Fanava Group, an Iranian IT and telecommunications holding company. This company is responsible for providing crucial services such as satellite communications, data storage, and payment systems to various shipping entities. The hackers claimed that the breach significantly disrupted communications between ships and shore operations.

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This latest incident follows a similar attack in March, when Lab Dookhtegan reported that it had interfered with communications on 116 vessels owned by the same two state-run shipping companies. These repeated disruptions raise concerns about the vulnerability of Iran’s maritime operations and the potential implications for international shipping routes. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, such cyberattacks may have far-reaching consequences for both Iranian trade and global shipping security.