Michael Vatis Speaks With NewsNation on Iranian‑Linked Cyberattack Targeting Stryker

Michael Vatis, partner in the firm’s Litigation and Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice Groups and founding head of the FBI’s computer crime and infrastructure protection program, was recently interviewed by NewsNation for the story, “Iran-linked hackers tied to cyberattack on U.S. company Stryker.”

The piece covers an Iranian-linked cyberattack on U.S.-based medical technology company Stryker, which caused a global shutdown of its Microsoft systems and disrupted operations for thousands of employees worldwide. The attack, claimed by the hacker group Handala, comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions following recent U.S.-Israel military actions against Iran and highlights growing concerns over cyber warfare targeting private-sector companies.

Michael emphasized that while the cyberattack on Stryker did not target critical infrastructure, it should not be underestimated. Speaking to NewsNation, he warned that if the incident is a “prelude to a much broader attack of the same sort, it could, in the aggregate, become serious.” Michael also noted that Stryker’s connection to Israel or attackers “scanning the internet to find vulnerable companies” may have played a role in the targeting, and highlighted Iran’s growing cyber capabilities, saying they have “greatly improved and enhanced their capabilities over the years.”

Read the full article and watch the video here.