A heads up from the director of the United States CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) urges us all to remember that modern warfare includes tactics that extend beyond our physical world; and often involve cyber attacks that target both military and civilian systems.

In light of the recent US airstrike that targeted and killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, this warning has never been more relevant. “At this point, a cyberattack [from Iran] should be expected,” Jon Bateman, a former Defense Intelligence Agency analyst with specific interests in Iran cyber capabilities has stated.

In the past, Iranians have successfully targeted social media platforms, banking and financial institutions, military personnel, and even journalists. This just goes to show that even individual civilians are not completely protected- even though the Department of Homeland Security promises they are “ready to confront and combat any and all threats facing our homeland”- this is not a guarantee, and extra caution should be taken by all IT professionals and citizens at this time until further notice.