Charming Kitten Strikes Again: Iranian Hackers Target Israeli Experts with AI-Driven Phishing Scams
Educated Manticore, an Iranian state-sponsored hacking group, is orchestrating a spear-phishing campaign against Israeli professionals. By posing as tech assistants, they trick victims into fake Google login pages. The group uses sophisticated techniques, including AI tools and custom phishing kits, making them a formidable cyber threat during the Iran-Israel conflict.
Hot Take:
Looks like the Educated Manticore has graduated from the School of Hard Phish with honors! This Iranian state-sponsored hacking group is giving cyber security experts in Israel a run for their money by donning their best catfish costumes and sliding into DMs with more finesse than a reality TV star. If you’re a journalist or a cyber pro in Israel, it’s time to keep your guard up—or risk being charmed right out of your Google credentials!
Key Points:
– The Educated Manticore, a hacking group linked to the IRGC, targets Israeli journalists and cyber experts.
– Attackers pose as assistants to tech executives, using emails and WhatsApp messages for phishing.
– Campaigns take advantage of geopolitical tensions and use AI-crafted messages to trick victims.
– Custom phishing kits mimic Google login pages and capture credentials, including 2FA codes.
– The group shows agility in setting up and taking down domains quickly to evade detection.