Iran has attempted to hack numerous US and Israeli defence technology companies and global maritime transportation firms, Microsoft said on Monday.
The suspected Iranian hackers successfully breached fewer than 20 of more than 250 organisations subject to the attack on Microsoft Office 365 users.
Microsoft concluded Iran was behind the attack because the activity “supports the national interests” of Iran and aligns with the techniques and targets of other hacks originating in the country.
The software firm said it first became aware of the hack in late July.
The hack “supports Iranian government tracking of adversary security services and maritime shipping in the Middle East to enhance their contingency plans,” it said.
“Gaining access to commercial satellite imagery and proprietary shipping plans and logs could help Iran compensate for its developing satellite programme.”
The hack was not said to have been sophisticated. Attackers used a technique known as “password spraying” in which they repeatedly try to compromise accounts by using a series of common and frequently used passwords.
The targets were defence companies that work with the US, EU and the Israeli government to supply military-grade radars, drone technology, satellite systems and emergency response communication systems. All of the maritime and cargo transportation firms that were targeted maintain a business presence in the Middle East.
A trove of data
Organisations operating at regional ports of entry to the Arabian Gulf were attacked. Other targets included Microsoft customers working in geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analytics.
A successful hack it would have elicited a trove of valuable data.
In recent months, tensions in the region have simmered as tanker attacks and maritime incidents in the Arabian Gulf have increased.
In August, two crew members were killed after an attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman. The US, Israel and Britain all blamed Iran for the attack. One week later, maritime security experts blamed Iranian-backed forces for the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of the UAE. Iran has denied responsibility for both attacks.
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Serie A
Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
Race card:
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh195,000 1,400m.
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,200m.
8.15pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,200m.
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 1,600m.
9.20pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m.
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 2,000m.
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Match info
What: Fifa Club World Cup play-off
Who: Al Ain v Team Wellington
Where: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
When: Wednesday, kick off 7.30pm
