Iran-linked hackers disrupt operations at US critical infrastructure sites

Iran-linked hackers successfully disrupted operations at multiple US critical infrastructure sites, exposing the fragility of power grids and water systems to a persistent cyber campaign spanning three months. The attacks, attributed to the group APT39, caused temporary shutdowns at five facilities in Texas and California, affecting service for 2.1 million residents. Using spear-phishing emails, the hackers breached control systems faster than the typical Iranian cyber operation, which often lingers for weeks without impact. These disruptions are 40% more damaging than the average foreign cyber intrusion on US utilities in 2025, according to CISA reports. Compared to #9 LinkedIn's browser extension scans, which spy on users for corporate gain, this campaign directly endangers public safety. The FBI has linked the attacks to Iran's growing cyber offensive, raising alarms about national security preparedness.