The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released this FBI Liaison Alert System (FLASH)  to disseminate information on malicious cyber activity conducted by actors on behalf of the Government of Iran Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). Specifically, MOIS cyber actors are responsible for using Telegram as a command-and-control (C2) infrastructure to push malware targeting Iranian dissidents, journalists opposed to Iran, and other opposition groups around the world. This malware resulted in intelligence collection, data leaks, and reputational harm against the targeted parties. The FBI is releasing this information to maximize awareness of malicious Iranian cyber activity and provide mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of compromise.

Due to the elevated geopolitical climate of the Middle East and current conflict, the FBI is highlighting this MOIS cyber activity. The FBI assessed MOIS cyber actors are responsible for using Telegram as a C2 infrastructure to push malware targeting Iranian dissidents, journalists opposed to Iran, and other oppositional groups around the world.

This FBI FLASH warns network defenders and the public of continued malicious cyber activity by Iran MOIS cyber actors and outlines the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used in this malware campaign. This FBI FLASH also provides technical details, indicators, and recommended mitigations.

Administrative Note
The information in this document is being provided by the FBI, with no guarantees or warranties, for potential use at the sole discretion of recipients to protect against cyber threats. This data is provided to help cybersecurity professionals and system administrators guard against the persistent malicious actions of cyber actors. The FBI does not endorse any commercial entity, product, company, or service, including any entities, products, or services linked within this document. Any reference to specific commercial entities, products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the FBI.