Science and Technology

Iranwire – In Iran, hardly a day goes by without news of someone being arrested for “illegal activities online.” These types of arrests are hardly new, but they now happen with incredible frequency. Most recently, on November 3, the police chief for Marvdasht, Fars Province, announced the force had arrested a local for “publishing pictures of women wearing inappropriate clothing.” The photos …

RFL/RE – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is expressing concern over reports that an Iranian Internet bill seen as part of a campaign to create a closed national web is moving ahead in parliament. “Instead of further controlling what journalists and citizens can do online, Iranian lawmakers should be finding ways to promote the free flow of information,” CPJ …

Iranwire – Analysts say a cyberattack earlier this week that disrupted the sale of subsidized fuel in Iran appears to be the latest in a series of cyberstrikes between Tehran and its rivals.The incident, which led to chaos and criticisms of Iran’s preparedness for cyberthreats, is seen as a warning to the Islamic republic. It came ahead of the second …

Al-Monitor – The Biden administration sanctioned several Iranian companies and individuals on Friday in connection with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ drone program, including an Iranian commander believed responsible for the deadly attack this summer on the Mercer Street commercial vessel.   A statement from the Treasury Department described the use of lethal unmanned aerial vehicles by the IRGC’s elite Quds Force in attacks …

Al-Monitor – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited gas stations in Tehran a day after a cyberattack, presumably from a foreign country, caused long delays at the pump. Raisi said that this cyberattack is neither the first time nor will it be the last and asked people to be prepared for more. At a cabinet meeting, Raisi also said that the attack’s purpose was …

Al-Arabia – A cyberattack which disrupted the sale of heavily subsidized gasoline across the Islamic Republic was designed to create “disorder and disruption”, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday.“We need to be equipped and prepared against cyberattacks,” Iranian state media quoted Raisi as saying. For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.MIDDLE …

Iranwire – Digital traffic signs over major highways in Isfahan appeared on Tuesday to have been hacked to bear the slogan: “Khamenei! Where’s our gas?” Videos were published on Persian-language social media in the afternoon showing vehicles passing under the compromised signs. Another said “Free gas at Jamaran gas station”, a reference to the home of Iran’s first Supreme Leader …

Al-Arabia – A cyberattack disrupted the sale of heavily subsidized gasoline in Iran on Tuesday, state media reported, causing long lines at gas stations across the country. “The disruption at the refueling system of gas stations… in the past few hours, was caused by a cyberattack,” state broadcaster IRIB said. “Technical experts are fixing the problem and soon the refueling …

Iranwire – An Iranian cyber-network linked to the IRGC has been pulled from Facebook for posting content encouraging Iranians to “praise the military and criticize opposing factions”. In its latest report on coordinated inauthentic behavior (CIB), the social media giant said it had removed some 93 accounts, 14 pages, 15 groups and 194 Instagram accounts in September that were targeting domestic audiences, …

Al-Monitor – In a meeting with the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi called for “digitizing” the government while also expanding controls over the internet. Raisi said that the council can “take significant steps in making up for its ineffectiveness and in the management of cyberspace.” He added that the “health and security” of the internet must be prioritized …