Iran's Ravin Academy Launches Largest Cyber Training Class Amid US-Iran Tensions

• •Ravin Academy is recruiting 600 to 1,200 young Iranians for cybersecurity training.
• •The program is free and includes competitive technological competitions.
• •Ravin Academy has been sanctioned by the US for ties to Iranian intelligence and past cyberattacks.

Ravin Academy, an Iranian cybersecurity training firm, has announced its largest recruitment drive, seeking between 600 and 1,200 young Iranians for a free yearlong cybersecurity scholarship. This initiative occurs amid escalating cyberattacks attributed to Iran against US infrastructure. The US Treasury previously sanctioned Ravin Academy for its ties to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and for allegedly training hackers involved in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The program, named the Nam-Avar Educational Scholarship Plan, is open to individuals aged 17 to 30 and includes participation in technological competitions simulating cyberattack scenarios. Analysts suggest that graduates may contribute to Iran's cyberwarfare efforts against the US and its allies. The academy's recruitment has sparked concerns regarding potential future cyber threats. The program is funded by unnamed Iranian corporations, and the academy has a history of facilitating military service through cybersecurity roles.