EU Investigates Alleged Iranian Cyber Attack on German Politician

The European Parliament has confirmed suspicions regarding a cyber espionage incident targeting German Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Hannah Neumann. This incident is believed to be linked to Neumann's ongoing advocacy for human rights and democracy in Iran. Recent investigations revealed that the attack displayed characteristics commonly associated with state-sponsored Iranian hacking groups.

Neumann, a member of the Green Party, has been vocal in her efforts to combat oppression within Iran. Reports indicate that the cyber assault aimed to extract sensitive information related to her parliamentary activities and contacts. The MEP has indicated that the hacking attempt likely originated from a group known as "Charming Kitten," which is reportedly affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

The attackers utilized false identities to establish communication with Neumann's office over several weeks, attempting to deploy spyware via malicious links. Fortunately, the European Parliament's cybersecurity measures were effective, preventing any data breaches.

This incident was brought to light after Neumann was alerted by the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution about potential threats. Following this warning, she promptly informed the European Parliament, which initiated its own inquiries into the matter.

In response to the incident, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has condemned the attack against an elected official and has instructed security services to maintain heightened vigilance. This incident marks the second significant espionage case within a short period for the European Parliament. Earlier, German authorities charged a former aide to an AfD politician with espionage for allegedly passing sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence agency.

Previously reported by the publication "Zeit," the European Parliament had initially withheld comments on the Neumann case pending the completion of an analysis. However, the confirmation of the attack underscores the growing concerns over foreign interference and espionage targeting European lawmakers.