Security News > 2022 > January > US links MuddyWater hacking group to Iranian intelligence agency
US Cyber Command has officially linked the Iranian-backed MuddyWatter hacking group to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
MOIS is the Iran government's leading intelligence agency, tasked with coordinating the country's intelligence and counterintelligence, as well as covert actions supporting the Islamic regime's goals beyond Iran's borders.
"These actors, known as MuddyWater in industry, are part of groups conducting Iranian intelligence activities, and have been seen using a variety of techniques to maintain access to victim networks," USCYBERCOM said today.
"MuddyWater is an Iranian threat group; previously, industry has reported that MuddyWater has primarily targeted Middle Eastern nations, and has also targeted European and North American nations. MuddyWater is a subordinate element within the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security."
In collaboration with the FBI, USCYBERCOM's Cyber National Mission Force has also shared multiple malware samples used by the Iranian hacking group's operators in espionage and malicious activity.
"If you see a combination of these tools, Iranian MOIS actor MuddyWater may be in your network. MuddyWater has been seen using a variety of techniques to maintain access to victim networks," the US military command added.