According to CNN report, the US Homeland Security Department (DHS) has recently said in a bulletin issued to security agencies that the threat environment has become more sensitive after the assassination of Ali Khamenei. However, no specific or credible information about any specific attack within America has been revealed so far.
Iran’s fatwas increased tension
From time to time, American intelligence agencies keep issuing bulletins to agencies across the country related to possible threats and measures to deal with them. In a ‘Critical Incident Note’ issued in this context, it was told that two prominent Iranian religious leaders have issued separate fatwas in Persian language, in which Muslims around the world have been appealed to avenge Khamenei’s death. The bulletin said that along with these fatwas, the Iranian government’s rhetoric and talk of revenge by regime supporters on social media may increase the threat of extremists who support the Iranian regime.
The report also mentioned that a message issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that ‘the enemy will no longer be safe anywhere in the world, not even in their own homes.’
FBI increased alert level
US officials have not yet confirmed any concrete threat within the country, but according to a law enforcement official, the Federal Investigation Agency (FBI) has raised the alert level across the country after the attacks from the US and Israel began. Of particular concern to officials is the security of America’s energy infrastructure, protecting government institutions from possible cyber attacks, and strengthening border security.
Meanwhile, American security agencies have also issued a separate warning to private companies. It said that Iran-backed cyber groups are continuously threatening cyber attacks on American institutions, which may increase the risk of attacks on financial services institutions.
Cyber attack on finance sector
According to US agencies, history shows that the US financial sector has often been a prime target of Iran-backed cyber attackers. In such a situation, banks and financial institutions have been asked to exercise special caution. The bulletin also reported that in recent days, some hacker groups associated with Iran have publicly claimed that they have targeted the cyber systems of Israel and its allied countries. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
US agencies have advised organizations to keep an eye on any potential cyber threat signals and further strengthen their network security. Apart from this, in another notice sent to America’s defense contractors, NSA and FBI have warned that cyber groups linked to Iran may target American equipment and networks in the near future.
Especially those companies which have links with Israeli defense or research companies have been considered more risky. American security agencies have advised these companies to further strengthen their cyber security protocols. Experts believe that amidst increasing tension in West Asia, cyber attacks have now become an important weapon of modern war. In such a situation, both governments and private companies are becoming more cautious about cyber security than before.