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As global tensions escalate, hacktivism has reached a new peak, with cyberattacks now playing a key role in geopolitical strife. One such attack, attributed to the pro-Iranian group Cyber Fattah, has targeted sensitive data related to the Saudi Games, an event that brings together over 6,000 athletes from various sports. The breach has raised alarms over data security, the increasing role of hacktivist groups in global conflicts, and the potential implications of such attacks on future sporting events.
the Attack
On June 22, 2025, Cyber Fattah, a hacktivist group known for its pro-Iranian agenda, leaked thousands of sensitive records from past Saudi Games events. This breach was confirmed by cybersecurity firm Resecurity, which identified that the hacktivists had gained access to phpMyAdmin, a database management system, to exfiltrate stored data. The leak included a wide array of sensitive personal information, such as government email addresses, passport details, medical records, bank statements, and more.
The leak was accompanied by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on the Truth Social platform following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This breach may be part of a broader strategy linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially following the conflict between Israel and Iran, which has seen increased cyberattacks from pro-Iranian groups like Cyber Fattah.
The leaked data, initially circulating in the Dark Web in May 2025, included scans of personal documents and credentials that had been poorly secured, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Notably, the groupās activities are part of a larger trend of Middle Eastern hacktivism, where cyberattacks are used as a form of protest or resistance.
What Undercode Say:
The rise of hacktivism, particularly in the Middle East, is not just about data theft; itās a manifestation of escalating cyber warfare. The Cyber Fattah breach underscores how these groups are evolving from politically motivated activists to sophisticated, organized cybercriminals capable of disrupting major national events. The leak of personal documents is particularly concerning because it reveals the vulnerabilities in the way governments and organizations store sensitive information.
For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this breach is a major wake-up call about the need for stronger cybersecurity measures, especially considering the sensitive nature of sporting events like the Saudi Games. These events are not only cultural milestones but also platforms for national and international diplomacy. A breach like this could undermine trust in the security of such large-scale events and potentially harm Saudi Arabiaās international image.
Moreover, the leakās timing and the subsequent DDoS attacks suggest that the group is not only seeking to steal data but is also attempting to send a political message. This kind of cyber warfare is no longer limited to espionage or financial gaināitās also a tool for influencing political outcomes. The collaboration between various hacktivist groups, such as Cyber Fattahās alliance with the 313 Team, LulzSec Black, and CyberVolk, further complicates the threat landscape, showing a level of coordination and strategy that reflects the serious geopolitical intentions behind these cyberattacks.
The question now is whether this trend will continue, especially with the upcoming sporting events. As Resecurity pointed out, targeting these events may be an appealing strategy for cybercriminals, especially given their financial and political significance.
Fact Checker Results
ā Cyber Fattah Group: The existence of the pro-Iranian Cyber Fattah group and its activities have been verified, with the groupās previous involvement in anti-US and anti-Israel operations well-documented.
ā Saudi Games Data Leak: The breach of Saudi Games data, including sensitive personal information, has been confirmed by cybersecurity experts at Resecurity.
ā Broader Attack Claims: The attribution of the breach to broader geopolitical strategies, such as Iranās involvement, remains speculative and requires further corroboration to confirm.
š Prediction
Given the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the growing role of hacktivist groups, we can expect more coordinated cyberattacks in the coming months, particularly targeting high-profile events such as the Islamic Solidarity Games and the Esports World Cup 2025. These events, which attract international attention, will likely be seen as prime targets for groups looking to make political statements. Additionally, as hacktivist groups continue to collaborate and refine their tactics, the risk of more sophisticated, multi-layered cyberattacks on both government and private sector targets will only increase.
References:
Reported By: www.darkreading.com
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