Charming Kitten
Affiliations
  • Also known as Charming Kitten, APT 35, Newscaster, Ajax Security Team, Phosphorus, Group 83, TA453, and Cobalt Illusion. Possibly linked to Rocket Kitten
This threat actor uses watering hole attacks and fake profiles to lure targets from the U.S. government for espionage purposes. Also believed to target scholars who study Iran, human rights organizations, and the media. At least one cybersecurity company claims that Behzah Mesri, who was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for compromising the networks of HBO, was a member of this threat actor group
Suspected victims
  • U.S. government/defense sector websites
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Israel
  • Iraq
  • United Kingdom
  • Individuals associated with the U.S. government or 2020 presidential election
Suspected state sponsor
  • Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Type of incident
  • Espionage
Target category
  • Government
  • Military