Cyberattack Disrupts Electronic Banking Services in Iran

On Saturday, June 14, electronic banking services in Iran were severely disrupted after a cyberattack targeted several state-owned banks, temporarily preventing online payments.

According to Iran's business news portal 'Eghtesad News', the country's Banking Coordination Board confirmed the incidents but stated that disruptions have been resolved and online transactions are back to normal.

The Iranian hacker group 'Black Wolves' claimed responsibility for the attack, writing on their Telegram channel: 'A silent war is underway, and Iran is under cyber attack.'

Residents of Tehran reported that electronic payments suddenly stopped at supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, forcing some businesses to record purchases manually for later settlement. Four of the largest state-owned banks and many ATMs in the capital were affected.

Cyberattacks have been repeatedly used as a form of digital protest against Iran's ruling system. For example, during nationwide women's rights protests in 2022, hackers targeted the central bank and hacked surveillance systems at Evin prison in Tehran, releasing footage of guards violently attacking political prisoners.