Post

Iran Linked Threat Actors Cyber Fattah

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---
title: "Iran-Linked Cyber Fattah Hackers Leak Athlete and Visitor Data from Saudi Games"
categories: [Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Data Breaches]
description: "Discover the latest details on how Iran-linked Cyber Fattah hackers breached the Saudi Games database, leaking sensitive data of athletes and visitors. Understand the broader implications and motives behind this cyber attack."
author: "Tom"
date: 2025-06-23
tags: [cybersecurity, data breaches, information security]
---

## TL;DR
Iran-linked Cyber Fattah hackers have leaked thousands of records containing sensitive information about athletes and visitors from the Saudi Games. This breach is part of a broader information operation aimed at destabilizing regional peace and security.

## Main Content

### Cyber Fattah Leaks Data from Saudi Games

According to U.S.-based cybersecurity firm [Resecurity](https://www.resecurity.com/blog/article/iran-linked-threat-actors-leak-visitors-and-athletes-data-from-saudi-games), hackers associated with the "Cyber Fattah" movement have leaked thousands of records containing personal information about visitors and athletes from past Saudi Games. The Saudi Games is one of the major sports events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

### Data Breach Details

The stolen data, leaked in the form of SQL dumps, was exfiltrated through unauthorized access to phpMyAdmin. Resecurity interprets this incident as part of a broader information operation (IO) conducted by Iran and its proxies. The goal is to create a sense of insecurity and destabilize peace in the region. Iran is reportedly accelerating anti-US, anti-Israel, and anti-Saudi propaganda activities in cyberspace, targeting major sports and social events[^1].

### Geopolitical Implications

Notably, the incident is significant due to increasing Israel-Iran tensions. The threat actors aim to capitalize on the important role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States in regional relationships and security. Several Hezbollah-linked, Hamas-linked, and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have amplified the incident by integrating it with targeted propaganda activities via digital media channels.

### Sensitive Data Exposed

The data originates from a database presumably related to the **Saudi Games 2024** official website, where visitors, athletes, and their teams could register and share personal information. The breach includes a trove of sensitive data, ranging from personally identifiable information (PII) to International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) and medical examination certificates shared with the event organizers.

### Broader Implications

The hack of a major sports competition is significant for several reasons, as it can have wide-ranging implications across multiple domains, including cybersecurity, sports integrity, and global audiences. Although no date has yet been confirmed for the Saudi Games 2025, the Kingdom is hosting a variety of major sports events that attract audiences from all over the world, including the Islamic Solidarity Games, Esports World Cup 2025, and Gulf Cup 2026.

### Future Targets

Hosting the Olympics in 2036 is one of the national targets and priorities for Saudi Arabia. Likely, threat actors attempted to interfere with the country's efforts and abuse the reputation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by conducting a targeted cyberattack on the Saudi Games.

## Conclusion

The data breach by Iran-linked Cyber Fattah hackers highlights the growing threat of cyber warfare in regional conflicts. As Saudi Arabia continues to host major sports events, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly critical. This incident underscores the importance of international cooperation in countering cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of global events.

## Additional Resources

For further insights, check:
- [Resecurity Blog](https://www.resecurity.com/blog/article/iran-linked-threat-actors-leak-visitors-and-athletes-data-from-saudi-games)
- [Security Affairs](http://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/)

## References

[^1]: Resecurity (2025). "[Iran-linked threat actors leak visitors and athletes' data from Saudi Games](https://www.resecurity.com/blog/article/iran-linked-threat-actors-leak-visitors-and-athletes-data-from-saudi-games)". Resecurity Blog. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.