FBI Warns U.S. Agencies and Businesses of Advanced Hacking Attacks

The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned United States businesses and agencies, specifically educational, defense, or energy organizations of possible cyber attacks. The bureau has received information that hackers are targeting U.S. agencies and businesses.

The findings of the FBI is apparently inline with the information security company Cylance released in early December.

Cylance's report detailed the operation of a group of hackers called "Tarh Andishan." The group disguises itself as a Tehran-based construction firm. Cylance has been observing the hackers for two years and have dubbed them "Operation Cleaver." The company believes that the attacks originated from the Iranian government, something that the latter denied.

According to Cylance cyber security experts, Tarh Andishan has targeted 16 countries, including the U.S., and has over 50 victims. Other target countries include South Korea, the UAE, Pakistan, and Qatar. There are also some European countries on the list. Cylance warns that the group of hackers may be larger than what their research shows.

"We believe that if the operation is left to continue unabated, it is only a matter of time before the team impacts the world's physical safety," Cylance said in a statement.

The hackers, according to the FBI, use two Iran-based IP addresses for their attacks. The FBI did not confirm nor deny that the attacks were backed by the government of Iran. FBI also said that they will get in touch with private companies to help ensure that they will prevent a cyber attack.

In November, Sony Pictures Entertainment was attacked by a group of hackers who call themselves Guardians of Peace (GOP). Attacks of this magnitude can cause severe damage to an enterprise, as even confidential information and trade secrets were leaked online.

Sony's upcoming films "Annie" and "Fury," as well as private emails of company heads were leaked by the hackers. The hackers wanted to get the entertainment company shut down and even threatened Sony employees and their families if their demands are not met.

According to reports, Iran's capital Tehran has been enhancing its cyber knowledge after a virus called Stuxnet has hit its nuclear program in 2010. Both the FBI and Cylance warn businesses of advanced cyber attacks.