{"id":327740,"date":"2025-01-15T23:17:29","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T22:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=327740"},"modified":"2025-01-15T23:21:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T22:21:35","slug":"inside-irans-cyber-tactics-exposing-the-role-of-parsian-afzar-and-allied-entities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/terrorism-a-fundamentalism\/inside-irans-cyber-tactics-exposing-the-role-of-parsian-afzar-and-allied-entities\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Iran\u2019s Cyber Tactics: Exposing the Role of Parsian Afzar and Allied Entities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"iran-regime-cyber-army-e1662723282510\"<\/p>\n

Three-minute read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s regime has established a formidable cyber apparatus<\/a> to serve its dual objectives of suppressing dissent domestically and engaging in cyber warfare internationally. At the core of this network lies Parsian Afzar Rayan Borna, a Tehran-based company operating under the guise of an IT services provider. Tied closely to the Ministry of Intelligence and operating with the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this entity is implicated in surveillance, manipulation of public opinion, and large-scale cyberattacks on foreign targets.<\/p>\n

Parsian Afzar Rayan Borna: Activities and Operations<\/h3>\n

Parsian Afzar, with its offices located on Amir Kabir Boulevard in western Tehran, plays a central role in Iran\u2019s cyber strategy. While officially presenting itself as a computer services company, evidence reveals its deep integration into the regime\u2019s cyber warfare infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Key Operations<\/h4>\n
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  • Albania Cyberattack: One of Parsian Afzar\u2019s most prominent operations was the 2022 attack on Albania\u2019s infrastructure<\/a>. This cyber offensive not only crippled critical systems but also led to the closure of Iran\u2019s embassy in Tirana and the severance of diplomatic ties between the two nations.<\/li>\n
  • Fake Social Media Accounts: The company manages thousands of fake profiles on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. These accounts are used to:\n
      \n
    • Disseminate disinformation favoring the regime.<\/li>\n
    • Discredit opposition groups<\/a>, including the MEK and NCRI.<\/li>\n
    • Amplify state propaganda.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Cyber Espionage and Surveillance:\n
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      • Monitoring online activities of activists.<\/li>\n
      • Identifying and targeting dissidents.<\/li>\n
      • Training cyber operatives through Ravin Academy<\/a>, a Ministry of Intelligence-affiliated institution specializing in hacking and espionage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n

        Iran\u2019s Cyber Army: A Force of Disinformation for a Cursed Causehttps:\/\/t.co\/S3LusEN4HB<\/a><\/p>\n

        — NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 26, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n