Security News > 2020 > May > Google Says Iran-Linked Hackers Targeted WHO
Google reported on Wednesday that it continues to see attacks launched by the Iran-linked threat group named Charming Kitten against medical and healthcare professionals, including employees of the World Health Organization.
The attacks launched by Iranian hackers against WHO staff were first reported by Reuters in early April.
Google has once again warned that government-backed hackers are exploiting the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in their attacks.
Google on Wednesday also reported observing new activity originating from "Hack-for-hire" companies - many based in India - that have created Gmail accounts designed to appear as if they belong to the WHO. The fake accounts targeted business leaders in the consulting, financial services, and healthcare sectors in various countries, including the US, UK, Canada, India, Slovenia, Cyprus and Bahrain.
Google regularly shares information on state-sponsored hacking operations and it alerts customers who have been targeted in these campaigns.