Good day. Although President Donald Trump backed away from military action against Iran last week in the wake of its crackdown on protestors, U.S. officials say that he is still pushing for various options.

That could include cyberattacks on military or civilian institutions, experts say, along with a boosted antiregime messaging effort online.

Analysts say improving Iranians’ access to the internet would help protesters, for example, by providing Starlink terminals or free VPNs. Last year, the Trump administration slashed U.S. funding for organizations working on internet freedom issues in Iran.

Read the full story here.

Also today:

• Ransomware leader pleads guilty.
• AT&T hiring hundreds of cyber, tech workers.
• U.K. regulators criticize financial sector.

Israeli Industrial Cyber Startup Raises $150 Million. Cybersecurity firm Claroty announced a $150 million Series F funding round. The company last raised $100 million in March 2024 and specializes in critical infrastructure environments such as operational technology and cyber-physical systems. (Times of Israel)

Russian Ransomware Leader Pleads Guilty in U.S. Court. Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, a Russian national residing in California, pleaded guilty in federal court to leading a ransomware conspiracy that targeted at least 50 victims over four years, admitting to computer fraud and money-laundering charges and facing up to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors said the scheme caused losses of more than $1.5 million and involved multiple ransomware variants and co-conspirators. (CyberScoop)

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The WSJ Pro Cybersecurity team is Deputy Bureau Chief Kim S. Nash and reporters Angus Loten and James Rundle. Follow us on X @WSJCyber. Reach the team by replying to any newsletter you receive or by emailing Kim at kim.nash@wsj.com.