Former White House Chief Information Officer Theresa Payton has raised concerns about the possibility of Iran launching a ‘high-impact’ cyberattack on the United States’ critical infrastructure, particularly the energy grid, amid escalating tensions with Israel. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Payton warned that as the Iranian-Israeli conflict intensifies, Tehran may resort to cyber tactics if it runs out of traditional military options. She emphasized that such an attack could target essential services like energy, utilities, and water supplies, causing significant disruption.
Payton pointed to Iran’s history of cyberattacks, including incidents targeting U.S. financial institutions and healthcare systems, as evidence of its growing digital capabilities. She highlighted an example from 2016 when seven individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were indicted for orchestrating denial-of-service attacks on the websites of major banks such as Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo. These attacks disrupted financial services for 46 countries over 176 days, costing the banks millions in lost revenue.
Payton also warned that Iran could target U.S. elected officials, media outlets, and other key sectors, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. The Iranian government has recently issued threats against U.S. intervention in the conflict, with its Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warning that American involvement would lead to an ‘all-out war.’ This rhetoric has heightened concerns over potential retaliatory actions, including cyberattacks.
In addition to financial institutions, Payton noted that Iran has also targeted healthcare systems, citing an incident in 2022 where three Iranian nationals were indicted for attempting to conduct a cyberattack on Boston Children’s Hospital. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that rapid action by U.S. intelligence agencies and the hospital itself averted a potential breach that could have endangered patients.
While Payton acknowledged that Iran’s cyber operations have had mixed success, she stressed that their capabilities are growing and that the potential for a ‘high-impact’ cyberattack remains a real threat. As tensions in the region continue to rise, experts are advising U.S. officials to prepare for a potential cyber response, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated digital threats.