NBC:

A private cybersecurity firm has identified what it says is an Iranian-government-sponsored hacking group that has targeted organizations in the U.S., the Middle East and Asia.

FireEye, which gathers cyber intelligence — and responds to incidents through its Mandiant subsidiary — says in a report out Wednesday that the Iranian hacking group has targeted companies involved in the petrochemical industry and in military and commercial aviation — perhaps seeking an edge in its regional rivalry with Saudi Arabia.

The report also notes that the hackers' workday appeared to correspond to Iran's time zone, and Iran's Saturday to Wednesday work week.

"APT33's focus on aviation may indicate the group's desire to gain insight into regional military aviation capabilities to enhance Iran's aviation capabilities or to support Iran's military and strategic decision making," the report says.

"Their targeting of multiple holding companies and organizations in the energy sectors align with Iranian national priorities for growth, especially as it relates to increasing petrochemical production. We expect APT33 activity will continue to cover a broad scope of targeted entities, and may spread into other regions and sectors as Iranian interests dictate."

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