America could be hit with 'high-impact' cyberattack targeting energy grid, fmr WH tech chief says
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

One expert says Iran could hit America with a “high-impact” cyberattack as its confrontation with Israel escalates each day.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei threatened the United States during an interview with Al Jazeera English on Wednesday, saying that American intervention alongside Israel would mean “all-out war.”

“Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region,” he said.

Theresa Payton, former White House chief information officer and CEO of the cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions, told Fox News Digital that Iran could use cyberattacks as it becomes more and more desperate.

Israeli Iron Done intercepting Iranian strikes

The Iron Dome air defense system intercepts missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

The attacks allegedly took place over 176 days and prevented customers from logging on to their online accounts, costing the banks tens of millions of dollars as they responded to the coordinated cyberattacks.

In 2022, three Iranian nationals were indicted after attempting to conduct a cyberattack against Boston Children’s Hospital. Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray detailed how serious the threat was during a conference hosted by Boston College. 

Tree-lined street in Slatington, Pennsylvania

Iran could target everyday Americans, a former White House official said. (Alex Potemkin/Getty Images)

“We got a report from one of our intelligence partners indicating Boston Children’s was about to be targeted, and understanding the urgency of the situation, the cyber squad in our Boston field office raced out to notify the hospital,” Wray said. “Quick actions by everyone involved, especially at the hospital, protected both the network and the sick kids that depend on it.”

Payton said Iran has a “track record” when it comes to cyberattacks, so the threat should be taken seriously.

Smoke rises from Iran state-run TV

Smoke rises from the building of Iran’s state-run television after an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, on Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo)

“They’ve done everything from spear phishing political campaigns and getting information from political campaigns. They have masqueraded as government officials. They had actually hit financial services with distributed denial-of-service attacks over the years. And they have hit out at critical infrastructure, not just in the United States, but in other countries as well,” she said. “And so they do have a track record of hits and misses as it relates to cyber incidents. And so that’s why a cyber intrusion is very much a potential, on-the-table scenario for Iran.”

Reuters contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kraft unveils apple pie flavored mac and cheese

Introducing Kraft’s Apple Pie Mac & Cheese: A Deliciously Unconventional Twist on Comfort Food!

This Thanksgiving, Kraft is shaking up tradition with a surprising culinary creation.…
LI teacher John Kennedy accused of 'sexting' student 'weirded out' others: sources

Long Island Teacher John Kennedy Faces Allegations of Inappropriate Texts with Student: Investigation Underway

An art teacher from Long Island, currently under scrutiny for allegedly engaging…
Judge again bars Trump admin. from deploying troops to Portland

Judge Reaffirms Ban on Trump Administration’s Military Deployment to Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal judge in Oregon has temporarily halted…
Meghan Markle 'wants to become a billionaire', says royal expert

Meghan Markle’s Ambitious Path to Billionaire Status: Royal Expert Weighs In

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry boast a combined wealth estimated at £60…
Escaped monkeys from Mississippi truck crash puts spotlight on NIH-funded Tulane lab

Mississippi Mother Takes Drastic Action: Fatally Shoots Escaped Monkey to Safeguard Children

A Mississippi mother recently recounted how she ended up shooting and killing…
Blue city repeat offender arrested nine times released again despite alleged violent history

Controversial Release: Serial Offender with Violent Past Freed Again in Blue City

A North Carolina man, previously arrested nine times, is free once more…
MAGA turns on Kash Patel for taking FBI jet to see girlfriend

MAGA Supporters Criticize Kash Patel for Utilizing FBI Jet for Personal Visit

Kash Patel passionately defended his country singer girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, following allegations…
US must win AI arms race, Interior secretary warns

Winning the AI Arms Race: Why the US Interior Secretary Urges Swift Action

The United States is preparing to unveil an international coalition focused on…