How the IRGC Uses Cyber Warfare to Suppress Dissent

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has developed one of the most advanced cyber warfare programs in the world, using hacking, surveillance, and digital censorship to silence activists, journalists, and dissidents. As protests against the Iranian regime continue to grow, the IRGC has intensified its cyber operations, targeting domestic opponents and international critics.

This report examines how the IRGC’s cyber units operate, their methods of digital repression, and what the global community can do to protect Iranian activists and counter the IRGC’s cyber threats.

1. The IRGC’s Cyber Warfare Division

The IRGC controls Iran’s cyber operations through several key institutions:

A. IRGC Cyber Units

 • The IRGC Cyber Command oversees hacking, cyber surveillance, and digital espionage.

 • The Basij Cyber Units operate troll farms, spread propaganda, and monitor dissidents online.

 • The Iranian Cyber Army conducts hacking operations against opposition groups and foreign entities.

B. The Role of the Iranian Government in Cyber Repression

The Iranian regime has established cybersecurity laws that give the IRGC full authority to monitor online activity and prosecute dissidents.

 • The Supreme Council of Cyberspace enforces internet censorship policies.

 • The Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) works with the IRGC to track and arrest online activists.

2. How the IRGC Uses Cyber Warfare to Suppress Dissent

The IRGC’s cyber warfare strategy includes:

A. Internet Censorship and Control

 • The IRGC blocks social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to restrict free speech.

 • The Iranian “National Internet” is an attempt to replace the global internet with a state-controlled version.

 • VPNs and encrypted apps are frequently blocked or hacked to prevent Iranians from bypassing censorship.

B. Online Surveillance and Tracking of Activists

 • The IRGC monitors private messages, emails, and social media posts to identify dissidents.

 • Iranian authorities use facial recognition technology to track unveiled women and protesters.

 • Journalists and activists are hacked, blackmailed, and threatened for speaking against the regime.

C. Cyber Attacks on Opposition Groups

 • The IRGC hacks dissident websites, news outlets, and human rights organizations.

 • Iranian opposition figures abroad have been targeted by phishing attacks and spyware.

 • Cyber attacks on satellite communication services are used to prevent Iranians from accessing independent news.

D. Disinformation and Propaganda Campaigns

 • The IRGC spreads false narratives through state-controlled media and fake social media accounts.

 • Pro-government troll farms harass activists online and push anti-Western propaganda.

 • Deepfake technology and manipulated videos are used to create fake confessions and smear campaigns against dissidents.

3. Notable IRGC Cyber Attacks

The IRGC’s cyber warfare extends beyond Iran, targeting governments, businesses, and activists worldwide.

A. Attacks on Iranian Activists and Journalists

 • Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist, was targeted by an IRGC cyber operation attempting to track and kidnap her.

 • Iran International, a Persian-language news channel, was hacked after covering anti-regime protests.

B. Cyber Attacks on Foreign Governments and Companies

 • 2020 U.S. Election Interference – The IRGC attempted to hack voter registration databases and spread misinformation.

 • 2021 Cyber Attacks on Israel – Iranian hackers launched ransomware attacks on Israeli hospitals and transportation networks.

 • 2023 Attack on European Parliament Websites – IRGC-backed groups targeted European institutions that condemned Iran’s human rights abuses.

C. Hacking of Social Media and Opposition Platforms

 • The IRGC has hacked Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp accounts of activists to monitor conversations.

 • Iranian social media influencers and opposition leaders have been banned, suspended, or hacked by IRGC-linked cyber units.

4. Global Efforts to Counter IRGC Cyber Warfare

A. Sanctions and Legal Action Against IRGC Cyber Units

 • The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned Iranian cyber groups responsible for hacking and surveillance.

 • The EU has blacklisted Iranian cyber agencies involved in attacks against European institutions.

B. Strengthening Cyber Security for Iranian Activists

 • Providing VPNs and encrypted messaging apps to Iranian dissidents can help bypass censorship.

 • Tech companies must block IRGC-affiliated accounts and prevent state-backed hacking attempts.

 • Governments should increase funding for independent Persian-language news outlets.

C. Holding the IRGC Accountable on the Global Stage

 • The IRGC must be fully designated as a terrorist organization to restrict its cyber operations.

 • International intelligence agencies must collaborate to track and counter IRGC cyber threats.

 • The UN must investigate Iran’s use of cyber warfare against dissidents and foreign governments.

 Conclusion: The Urgent Need to Stop the IRGC’s Cyber Warfare

The IRGC is using digital warfare to silence Iranian activists, manipulate global narratives, and attack foreign governments. Without stronger action, Iran’s cyber army will continue to spread disinformation, conduct cyber espionage, and target opposition figures.