Federal officials and cybersecurity experts warn of increased risk for cyber attacks amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

While there are no specific credible threats against the homeland, the Department of Homeland Security on June 22 warned of low-level cyber attacks amid a “heightened threat environment.” Experts told USA TODAY public infrastructure and the private sector could be potential targets, although large-scale cyber attacks are unlikely.

“Cyber attacks are pretty much standard fare in today’s world of conflicts,” said Anton Dahbura, executive director of the Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute. “So cyber attacks are definitely on the menu of options.”

What retaliation from Iran could look like

The cyber attack warnings come after President Donald Trump on June 21 ordered airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran officials have warned of retaliation after the airstrikes, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying his country would consider all possible responses.

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The first came on June 23, when Iran targeted a U.S. military base in Qatar.

“We’ll have to see” whether that response will be considered sufficient, according to Scott White, an associate professor and director of the cybersecurity program and cyber academy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

If there is more to come, cyber attacks are one possible avenue for retaliation.

Iran has proved willing to target countries with stronger cyber capabilities than itself, according to a 2024 threat assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The country has already launched cyber attacks against Israel, with U.S.-based cybersecurity firm finding a 700% spike in cyber attacks after Israel launched a missile strike targeting Tehran’s nuclear program earlier this month.

“Iran has a lot of people and organizations – both official organizations and proxy groups – that are dedicated to discovering cyber vulnerabilities and conducting cyber attacks,” Dahbura said.

It wouldn’t be the first time the U.S. has faced such a threat.

In 2016, seven Iranians with ties to the government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were indicted for a series of cyber crimes conducted between 2011 and 2013, including attacks that prevented bank customers from logging into their accounts. One of the defendants also allegedly obtained operational information on a New York dam but was unable to control the system.

Whether Iran is still in U.S. critical infrastructure systems is a harder question to answer, according to Jamil Jaffer, the founder and executive director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University and former associate counsel to President George W. Bush.

“We don’t have clear information from the U.S. government about where Iran is today on that, but the fact that they were trying earlier and were successfully able to get into some places is a sign that there are vulnerabilities they could exploit,” he said.

How big of a threat is this to Americans?

The threat of disruptive cyber attacks has increased, but it’s important to recognize that Iran has had “mixed results” with disruptive cyber attacks, according to a statement from John Hultquist, Google Threat Intelligence Group’s chief analyst.

“They frequently fabricate and exaggerate their effects in an effort to boost their psychological impact,” Hultquist said. “We should be careful not to overestimate these incidents and inadvertently assist the actors.”

In 2019, during testimony before Congress, former Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats said Iran was attempting to deploy cyber attacks that would enable attacks against critical infrastructure in the U.S. and allied countries, and was capable of “localized, temporary disruptive effects.”

In other words, as of 2019, Iran didn’t have the ability to pull off nationwide or large-scale, disruptive attacks, according to Jaffer.

“But could they do something that has significant effects? It’s certainly possible,” he said. “So then they have to calculate, if we do this, what is the U.S. response going to look like?”

White said Americans should be cognizant of potential attacks, and those who work in sectors like energy, health care or banking should be aware that their company may be targeted.

The Food and Agriculture Information Sharing and Analysis Center and the IT Information Sharing and Analysis Center earlier this month encouraged companies to prepare for the likelihood of increased cyber attacks, noting that state-sponsored actors, hacktivist groups and cybercriminals have previously launched attacks against U.S. organizations during periods of heightened conflict.

But experts told USA TODAY that everyday cyber criminals are likely the bigger concern for most Americans.

“Iran is not as much of a threat as the guys that are trying to get money out of people’s bank accounts,” Dahbura said. “That’s what people should be worried about, realistically.”

How can consumers protect themselves from a cyber attack?

“Iran has always been a major threat to critical infrastructure in this country,” said Scott Augenbaum, a retired FBI agent, cybercrime prevention trainer and author of The Secret to Cybersecurity.

The U.S. government works closely with all sectors to keep them informed, Augenbaum told USA TODAY, but cybercriminals often also go after the end users, or consumers.

All cyber threat actors are going to step up “because they love chaos and so many of us are in a state of worry right now,” Augenbaum said.

On Friday, 16 billion usernames and passwords were also found on the dark web, which gives cybercriminals more information, he said.

Additionally, “hacktivists” who are aligned with one side or the other also often get very active during times of heightened conflict, said Vahid Behzadan, an associate professor of cybersecurity and networks, data and computer science and electrical computer engineering at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut.

Those attacks can range from denial of service attacks to targeted phishing attacks, Behzadan said.

While individuals may think they are just going about their lives, Behzadan said, anyone can be targeted.

“Your device on its own can be exploited or leveraged” in an attack, he said.

While there may be worries that a cyber attack could affect access to banks or financial institutions, Behzadan said there are often protections in place should a bank account be compromised.

Augenbaum said all consumers should make sure they are digitally protected.

Here are five things to protect yourself:

Freeze your credit. With so many leaked usernames and passwords on the dark web, Augenbaum said people should freeze their credit with all three credit bureau agencies. A credit freeze prevents new credit from being opened unless the credit freeze is lifted or thawed. Be careful of fake emails or texts. “You’re not going to get an email from an Iranian threat actor saying ‘click on this link,’ ” said Augenbaum. “It might look like it’s coming from Social Security. It might look like it’s coming from the IRS. It might look like it’s coming from your bank or credit card and they want you to click on a link that could infect your computer with malware and steal usernames and passwords.” Be wary of telephone calls that appear to be from an authority figure. Often, the cyber criminal will try to tell you that you’ve done something wrong and will be arrested. Make sure the real number for your bank or financial institution is in your phone and if you see any suspicious activity or get an unsolicited email, text or call, phone the number you have. Be vigilant with your social media accounts. Hackers may try to take over your social media accounts or get you to click on malicious links. Use a password manager program. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Use a password manager, which can help you keep track of your passwords safely. User two-factor authentication. Asking for a second type of approval, like a text message or an authenticator app, offers more protection to accounts.

Additionally, Behzadan suggests making sure your operating system software updates are updated, backing up important data in the event cloud storage sites are attacked and also making sure any smart devices on your home network have updated software.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – WTOC has been following threats and the security response here at home after President Donald Trump announced strike on three Iranian nuclear sites.

SEE: US inserts itself into Israel’s war with Iran, striking 3 Iranian nuclear sites

Agencies are being fairly tight lipped about any heightened security protocols, which is usually the case in these situations because they don’t want to compromise their plans.

The Department of Homeland Security, however, has issued a bulletin saying the Iran conflict is causing a “heightened threat environment” in the U.S.- and is warning the public of possible retaliation.

Homeland Security says low-level cyber attacks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely.

The agency is also warning that if Iranian leadership were to call for retaliatory violence against targets in the United States, it would increase the likelihood of violence on U.S. soil.

Foreign terrorist organizations including Hamas and the Houthis have called for violence against Americans in the Middle East.

Finally, DHS says this conflict could motivate extremists to attack Jewish, pro-Israel, or government-affiliated targets in the US.

Fort Stewart also issued a statement to WTOC, saying in part, “We routinely assess and adjust our security posture to keep our communities safe. We will make modifications based on orders from our higher headquarters as required.”

Homeland Security says to report any potential threats to local law enforcement or the FBI, and to call 911 if it’s an emergency.

We’ve reached out to the Georgia Ports Authority, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, and the Savannah Police Department for any information about extra security measures- but haven’t heard back.

Rep. Buddy Carter discusses US attack on Iran

WTOC talked to Republican Congressman Buddy Carter Monday about Iran’s attack.

Congressman Carter said what he wants, and what President Trump wants is peace in this situation, but that’s contingent on Iran coming to the negotiating table.

Carter said he believes Trump is open to striking a peace deal with Iran, and that’s what he’s wanted since the very beginning.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has issued an advisory that the unrest in the Middle East could lead to extremists attempting violence here in the United States.

Carter said that as for Georgia, our ports and military bases are prepared for anything.

“It would be naïve of us to think that there aren’t going to be some attempts at some disruption, and we have to be prepared for that. I’m very confident that the ports are doing their part, making sure they’re covered, as well as everywhere else around. We’ve got a strong military presence in the 1st District, so those troops and those bases are on high alert as well, so everyone’s prepared and everyone’s going into this with their eyes open,” said Congressman Buddy Carter

We did ask Carter whether he thought the US attack on Iran was a violation of Trump’s no new wars campaign promise- he said it isn’t, and that the President is achieving peace through strength.

We reached out to Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff for comment as well, but a spokesperson declined the request.

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.

The U.S. is on high alert following on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the Department of Homeland Security warning of a heightened threat environment.

reported that Iran warned President Trump before the strikes that they would activate sleeper terror cells in the U.S. if the U.S. dropped bombs on their nuclear sites.

” carrying out acts of terrorism here in the United States, the administration is being vigilant. Law enforcement across the country is being vigilant. But it is a real danger because we’ve had four years of open borders,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Border Patrol statistics indicate an increasing number of Iranians attempting to enter the U.S. illegally via the southern border. During the four years Biden was in office, at least 1,500 Iranians crossed over the southern border, about half were released into the U.S. with little to no vetting. In fiscal year 2021, 48 Iranians were arrested by Border Patrol. In fiscal year 2024, that number jumped to 797 Iranians arrested.

Charles Marino, a former DHS senior advisor, said, “The fact is nobody, if they’re speaking honestly, from US intelligence or law enforcement can tell you as a matter of fact how badly we’ve been infiltrated here in the United States.”

According to congressional Republicans, between 2021 and 2024, immigration officers caught 382 people on the terror watch list trying to enter the country at the U.S.-Mexico border. Marino added, “We’re talking about ISIS, Al Qaeda, we’re talking about the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah, the list goes on and on and all of these special interests locations have, under the Biden Administration, been able to make their way into the country.”

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott reportedly issued a memo stating that the threat of activating on Iran’s behalf has never been higher.

On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a national terrorism advisory, warning Americans to be on alert, including from “violent extremists independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict.”

American military and diplomatic outposts across the globe are on high alert after a U.S. bombing raid on Saturday struck three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities, prompting vows of retaliation from Tehran and raising fears of a widening regional war. Already on Monday, Iran fired 14 ballistic missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, one of the largest U.S. installations in the Middle East and a critical hub for U.S. air operations across the region. The missiles, a mix of short- and medium-range weapons, were intercepted by Qatari defenses and no casualties were reported.

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President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s attack as a “very weak response,” saying the U.S. had been warned by Iran in advance. “Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE,” he posted on Truth Social. Trump also suggested that Iran might now “proceed to Peace and Harmony” and said he would encourage Israel to do the same. But even as both Tehran and Washington signal interest in avoiding an all-out war, fears remain that the conflict is far from over. Analysts warn that Iran, armed with a deep arsenal and a regional web of proxy forces, is still weighing its next moves—ones that could target global energy supplies, U.S. military installations, or even escalate its nuclear program. Iran has threatened to choke off the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a quarter of the world’s oil supply flows, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has warned of the potential for Iranian-backed cyber attacks and terrorism on American soil.

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The rapid escalation marks a dangerous new phase in the widening conflict. The State Department has issued a series of warnings in recent days urging Americans abroad to exercise “increased caution” and ordering the departure of nonessential staff from diplomatic missions in Iraq and Lebanon. In Qatar, where the missiles were fired, embassy officials advised American citizens to shelter in place. Here’s a look at how Iran could retaliate after the U.S. strikes on its nuclear program. Targeting the Strait of Hormuz While there have been no major disruptions to the global oil supply so far, many fear that Iran could retaliate in part by disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor between Iran and Oman through which nearly 20% of the world’s traded oil passes. The strait is a vital artery for global energy markets—and a vulnerability that Iran has long threatened to exploit. The Iranian Parliament on Sunday approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would likely send global oil prices skyrocketing, shaking energy markets, and putting pressure on Washington from allies and consumers alike.

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“EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING! YOU’RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON’T DO IT!,” Trump posted Monday on Truth Social. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday urged China to intervene to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, which can handle the world’s largest crude oil tankers. Very few alternatives exist if the strait is closed, making it a critical choke point for oil shipments. Around 20 million barrels flowed through the strait in 2024. Attacks on U.S. military bases In addition to the strike on Al Udeid, Iran has indicated it could target other U.S. military installations across the region—many of them far closer than Israel and potentially more vulnerable to rapid missile or drone attacks. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, posted on X that Iran had a legitimate right to respond to U.S. attacks on its nuclear facilities and warned that “Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.” Trump previously warned that Iranian retaliation against U.S. assets “will be met with even greater force than what was unleashed” in Saturday’s strikes.

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The United States maintains tens of thousands of troops across the Middle East, including at permanent bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. While these bases are outfitted with sophisticated air defense systems, Iran’s expanding arsenal of drones and short-range ballistic missiles could pose a threat. Just before the explosions at Al Udeid, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian framed Monday’s missile strike as a calibrated response: “We neither initiated the war nor wanted it,” he wrote on X in Persian. “But we will not leave the aggression against the great Iran unanswered.” In addition to potentially striking American military bases across the Middle East, Iran may also consider striking oil infrastructure in Gulf states allied with the United States.

Lon Tweeten for TIME (Source: Google Earth, AirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus)

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American vessels in the Red sea Another way Iran may retaliate is by calling on its regional partners to target U.S. naval and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, a major artery for global trade and energy shipments. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran and control large parts of Yemen’s western coastline, have already shown their ability to strike vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea. Earlier this year, the Houthis launched dozens of missile and drone attacks against American ships and commercial tankers, prompting shipping routes to be temporarily shut down. The Trump Administration reached a ceasefire with the Houthis in May, but the Houthis said at the time they would resume attacks in the Red Sea if the U.S. entered the war. Asymmetric attacks The U.S. intelligence community is also worried about the potential for asymmetric retaliation from Iran, which could involve cyberattacks on American infrastructure, terrorist plots against U.S. or allied targets overseas, or covert operations carried out through proxy groups.

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The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday issued a bulletin warning of a “heightened threat environment” within the U.S. linked to Iranian actors. The warning said that Iranian-backed hackers “routinely target poorly secured U.S. networks and Internet-connected devices for disruptive cyber attacks” and that “low-level cyber attacks” are likely as a response to the American bombing. DHS is also monitoring for signs of potential terrorist attacks orchestrated by Iranian operatives or their partners abroad. Iran has a long history of sponsoring or supporting bombings and assassinations far from its borders, and had plotted to assassinate Trump after he ordered the assassination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who led the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. “Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target U.S. Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020,” the DHS bulletin warning reads. “The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland. Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.”

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—Brian Bennett contributed reporting

Major U.S. cities are on high alert and increasing security measures following President Donald Trump’s airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities Saturday, June 21. Top officials from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held conference calls Sunday, June 22, sharing information about potential threats with some governors and high-level law enforcement leaders, ABC News reports.

The purpose of the calls was to discuss the national security situation after the recent strikes in Iran, and how they might affect an already tense security environment in the U.S.

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Increased security presence in New York City

The New York City Police Department said it was tracking the situation in Iran. “Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners,” the NYPD posted to X, adding they will “continue to monitor for any potential impact to NYC.”

Vito Fossella, borough president of Staten Island, said in a statement that he spoke with Melissa Eger, the NYPD borough commander, who said police are increasing their presence at sensitive locations on the island.

“While we always need to be vigilant to keep Staten Islanders safe, the current situation requires us to be even more vigilant than normal,” Fossella added in the statement.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reaffirmed that her top priority is the safety of all New Yorkers.

“I am receiving intelligence briefings and closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran alongside federal and local partners,” Hochul posted on X. “The New York State Police are working to protect at-risk sites and fight cyberattacks.”

Los Angeles and Illinois officials monitoring threats

On the West Coast, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city officials are monitoring any threats to public safety.

“There are no known credible threats at this time and out of an abundance of caution, LAPD is stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites,” Bass posted to X. “We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also announced over the weekend that officials will continue monitoring the situation, and he will be receiving briefings.

“At my request, federal authorities, @ILStatePolice, and local law enforcement have kept me updated on any potential physical and cyber threats to the homeland that could affect Illinois,” Pritzker wrote in a post on X. “We will remain vigilant and publicly communicate if there are related incidents or concerns.”

US strike targets Iranian nuclear facilities

“We devastated the Iranian nuclear program,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. “But it’s worth noting, the operation did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people.”

Iran vowed retaliation against the United States, and on Monday, June 23, attacked one of its military bases in Qatar. No casualties were reported, and according to a social media post by Trump, Iran gave the U.S. advanced notice of its intent to strike the base.

Prior to that strike, Trump posted, “Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed.”

DHS issues national terrorism bulletin

The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin regarding a heightened threat environment, which will expire Sept. 22, 2025.

“It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the U.S. State Department issued several travel and evacuation warnings for Americans abroad, amid the increasing tensions.