Hacktivist collective Anonymous has concentrated its operations on Iran since the beginning of this month's widespread demonstrations, and claims to have compromised many websites belonging to the Iranian government - including that of the Iranian Assembly, the country's parliament.
Known for taking sides in major international conflicts, Anonymous said on 20th September that it was launching a 'cyber operation' against the Iranian regime. It planned to support the country's demonstrators protesting the death of Mahsa Amini.
The Anonymous collective launches a cyber operation against the Iranian government. #Anonymous #OpIran
— Anonymous (@YourAnonOne) September 20, 2022
Amini, who had travelled to Tehran from Kurdistan to visit relatives, passed away in police custody after being detained by the country's morality police, for wearing her hijab incorrectly. Although the police claim she suffered a heart attack, leaked medical scans show a cracked skull and internal bleeding. She was taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced brain dead.
Amini's death sparked mass protests throughout Iran.
Hackers apparently belonging to Anonymous attacked the two main Iranian government websites on the 20th September, as well as a number of media websites. One of the government sites attacked was reportedly the 'smart services' website, which offers a variety of online services. Another was aimed at publishing government news, as well as interviews with officials.
'The largest Iranian media is getting hacked,' a tweet from Anonymous' official Twitter account stated.
