The US has taken a major step in combating state-sponsored hacking with the indictment of 17 Iranian nationals accused of stealing intellectual property worth $3.4 billion from American organizations. The charges, announced by the US Department of Justice (DoJ), target members of a hacking-for-hire group known as the Mabna Institute, which allegedly worked on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian government bodies.
The operation is believed to have begun around 2013 and targeted more than 100,000 professors worldwide, compromising approximately 8,000 accounts. The hackers used this access to steal a staggering 31.5 terabytes of academic data, including journals, theses, dissertations, ebooks, and research across various disciplines. This intellectual property was valued at around $3.4 billion.
The DoJ’s announcement highlights the scope of the operation, which affected 178 universities, with 144 based in the US, as well as 53 private firms, two NGOs, and at least 10 US state agencies. One notable victim was HBO, which reportedly received an extortion demand for $6 million worth of Bitcoin.
The defendants now face charges related to conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, wire fraud, unauthorized access for financial gain, and aggravated identity theft, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The US government has also offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the location of five of the accused individuals.
This indictment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat state-sponsored hacking and cybercrime. It sends a clear message that those who engage in these activities will be held accountable, regardless of their nationality or affiliations. The US government’s commitment to pursuing justice in this case demonstrates its determination to protect American organizations and individuals from cyber threats.
The Mabna Institute is believed to have operated on behalf of Iranian government entities, highlighting the increasingly complex nature of state-sponsored hacking. This type of activity can have far-reaching consequences, as seen in the HBO extortion case. The DoJ’s announcement serves as a reminder that intellectual property theft is a serious crime with significant financial implications.
As this case demonstrates, cybercrime knows no borders, and those responsible will be brought to justice. For individuals and organizations, it’s essential to remain vigilant against such threats and take proactive measures to protect themselves from intellectual property theft and other forms of cybercrime.
In light of this development, it’s crucial for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and implement robust measures to prevent unauthorized access. This includes ensuring that employees are aware of the risks associated with state-sponsored hacking and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against the evolving threat landscape.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-08-19