From Physical to Digital Frontlines
Despite a 12-day physical conflict in June 2025, the real battle shifted swiftly to cyberspace. Even after ceasefire, digital skirmishes intensified: Israel saw phishing campaigns and attacks exploiting Microsoft vulnerabilities, while Iran-focused hackers targeted Israeli supply chains and organizations.
Operation Rising Lion Opens the Digital Breach
On June 13, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” hitting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Within hours, cyberspace erupted in response—Israel commenced a sweeping cyber-offensive targeting Tehran’s digital systems, while Iranian hackers retaliated with counterattacks.
Predatory Sparrow: Cyber Strikes with a High Price Tag
A pro-Israel hacking group known as Predatory Sparrow (Farsi: Gonjeshke Darande) delivered devastating blows: disabling Iran’s Bank Sepah, disrupting services, and “stealing” $90 million in crypto from Nobitex—later sending it into inaccessible wallets.
Iran’s Response: Leak, Deceive, Confuse
Iranian-aligned groups countered with hack-and-leak tactics—breaching roughly 50 Israeli companies, leaking private resumes, and distributing spoofed public safety texts to dissuade individuals from entering air-raid shelters. They also probed security cameras to monitor missile impacts.
Escalation via Bots and AI — Disinformation Warfare
Beyond hacking infrastructure, Iran deployed disinformation at scale—sending over 241,000 bot-driven posts across social platforms with AI-generated visuals of Israeli destruction, intended to sway global public sentiment.
Cyber-War Without End?
While ground conflict has subsided, the digital war shows no signs of stopping. Cyber attacks remain the preferred weapon for covert engagement—allowing deniability and strategic pressure without escalating to full-scale warfare. U.S. officials warn of potential spillover to allied countries.
Why “Cycling Shadows”?
Just like shadows that linger and shift, cyber warfare here persists in the background—ever-present, evolving, deniable. It cycles continuously, blurring the line between peace and conflict in a constantly shifting battlefield.
