Iranian Hackers Target Airline and Energy Computer Networks

📅 December 4, 2014 - A group of hackers believed to be working from Iran have hacked more than 50 companies and organizations computer systems from 16 countries for the last two years.

The attacks, discovered by cyber security firm Cylance, says the companies targeted by the hackers include airports and airlines, universities, hospitals, energy firms, telecommunications, and defense contractors, reports Reuters.

Sources claim that among the targeted firms are oil companies Saudi Aramco and Petroleos Mexicanos, along with airlines Qatar and Korean Air.

In a statement to the United Nations, Iran spokesman Hamid Babaei called Cylance's allegations “baseless.”

“This is a baseless and unfounded allegation fabricated to tarnish the Iranian government image, particularly aimed at hampering current nuclear talks,”

According to PCWorld, information stolen through the hacks include research data, student information, pictures, passports, and “sensitive information that could allow them or affiliated organizations to sabotage industrial control systems.”