Cyberattack disrupts communications on dozens of Iranian ships

A hacking group has claimed responsibility for a major cyberattack that disrupted communications on over 60 Iranian oil tankers and cargo vessels, severing links between the ships and their ports.

The group, calling itself “Lip-Dochtjan” (The Sewn Lips), told Iran International that it had breached the systems of the National Iranian Oil Tanker Company and Iran Shipping Lines, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The attack reportedly affected 39 oil tankers and 25 cargo ships.

According to the hackers, the intrusion was carried out via Fannavā, an Iranian holding company providing satellite communications, data storage, and payment systems.

They said they gained access to core Linux operating systems running the ships’ satellite stations, which allowed them to disable Falcon, the central programme responsible for Iran’s maritime communications.

By Aghakazim Guliyev