Who is Handala, the hacktivist group US ties to Iranian intelligence? Handala Hack Team portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian group but is widely believed to be linked to Iranian intelligence. Iran
What we know about UAE blocking X accounts accused of misinformation A number of X accounts including Al Arabiya Breaking are now not accessible in the Gulf state as Abu Dhabi navigates regional turmoil. United Arab Emirates
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict The Indian prime minister’s visit highlights growing cooperation on defense, AI, drones and regional trade, while signaling closer diplomatic coordination. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran’s IRGC says it arrested hacker tied to Israeli Mossad: What we know Iran has ramped up its crackdown against individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel amid a heated cyberwarfare between the two countries. Iran
Iran thwarts 'sabotage' of nuclear facility Iranian nuclear sites have come under apparent cyberattacks in the past year, some of which have been blamed on Israel. News Brief
Crypto fever grips Turkey despite risks, new regulations Turkish citizens are increasingly investing in cryptocurrencies to shelter savings from the volatile Turkish lira and possibly make profits on the side, a trend that has led to both increased risks and increased government regulations. Turkey
Iran declares uranium enrichment levels of 60% ahead of more nuclear deal talks The increase brings the Islamic Republic closer to the 90% level required to build a nuclear bomb and was in response to the alleged Israeli cyberattack at an Iranian nuclear facility. News Brief
Facebook launches partnership with Egypt to protect women from cyber harassment Egypt’s National Council for Women teams up with Facebook for extra online security and protection for female users prone to online harassment and violation of their personal freedoms. Originals
Microsoft, Google join WhatsApp suit against Israeli spyware vendor The filing follows reports that the Israel-based NSO Group's Pegasus software was used to hack the phones of dozens of Al Jazeera journalists. Israel
Al Jazeera journalists reportedly hacked with Israeli-made spyware Thirty-six Al Jazeera staff members were targeted in an attack that some have blamed on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar
Cyberattacks in UAE up 250% during pandemic, Emirati cyber chief says Emirati cybersecurity chief Mohamed al-Kuwaiti said his country is experiencing a “cyber pandemic.” United Arab Emirates
Activists fear Iraqi cybercrime law could limit press freedoms The Iraqi cybercrime bill makes a reappearance amid widespread objections by civilians and activists who label it as repressive of freedoms and rights guaranteed in the Iraqi Constitution. Iraq
Amnesty loses battle against Israeli spy-technology company The Tel Aviv court ruled that Amnesty International failed to present sufficient evidence in its claim against spy-technology company NSO. Israel
Coronavirus shambles IDF plans for a super digital army Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi’s plan of turning the IDF into the world’s most digital army is currently being foiled by coronavirus-induced budget cuts. Israel
Intel: Voter data leak threatens to draw Netanyahu into new investigation Israel’s Privacy Protection Authority announced the launch of an investigation into a massive data leak by a website for a mobile phone app used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party. Israel
Hackers zap official Iraqi websites with cyberattacks Electronic hacking operations against Iraqi institutional websites have sabotaged the prime minister’s page and those of various governmental, ministerial and security agencies. Iraq
