U.S. charges seven Iranians in cyber attacks on U.S. dam, banks

Special to WorldTribune.com

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

The United States has formally charged Iranian hackers with carrying out a coordinated campaign of cyberattacks from 2011 to 2013 on dozens of U.S. banks and a New York dam.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch with (from left) Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin, FBI Director James Comey, and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York announces indictments against seven Iranians on March 24, at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. / FBI
Attorney General Loretta Lynch with (from left) Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin, FBI Director James Comey, and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York announces indictments against seven Iranians on March 24, at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. / FBI

The U.S. Justice Department on March 24 unsealed an indictment against seven Iranians believed to have been working on behalf of the Iranian government and described as “experienced computer hackers.”

At least 46 major financial institutions and financial sector companies were affected by the hacking campaign, according to the indictment.

At a news conference, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the seven Iranians indicted inflicted tens of millions of dollars in damages.

The alleged attack against the dam by Iranians could have imposed a clear and present danger to Americans, she said.