For the second time in five months, a hacker group says it has disrupted communications across Iran’s merchant fleet.
Lab Dookhtegan, which means “Sewn Lips,” told London-based TV channel Iran International that it had targeted systems of the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). According to the group, the cyberattack affected communications between 39 tankers and 25 containerships, blocking ship-to-shore operations.
The hackers said they gained access by infiltrating Fanava Group, an Iranian IT and telecoms holding company that manages satellite communications, data storage, and payment systems.
This follows a similar attack in March, when Lab Dookhtegan claimed to have disrupted communications on 116 vessels owned by the same two state-run shipping firms.
