Cloudflare reveals what’s behind major internet outages

Help Net Security

July 29, 2026 at 10:20 AM

Overview

Cloudflare's recent Internet Disruption Summary reveals that various natural disasters and government actions caused significant internet outages in the second quarter of 2026. Notably, Iran ended an 88-day nationwide internet shutdown on May 26, with traffic rebounding to 40% of pre-shutdown levels the following day. The report indicates that storms, earthquakes, and infrastructure failures played a role in disrupting access across multiple regions. These outages not only affect daily internet users but also highlight vulnerabilities in global internet infrastructure, raising concerns about reliability during crises and the potential for government-imposed outages.

Key Takeaways

Affected Systems: Internet access in Iran and various regions affected by natural disasters and infrastructure failures.
Timeline: Disclosed on October 2023

Original Article Summary

Storms, earthquakes, and infrastructure failures disrupted internet access throughout the second quarter, while governments deliberately shut networks down, according to Cloudflare’s latest Internet Disruption Summary. Based on Cloudflare Radar traffic data, the report covers internet disruptions recorded between April and June 2026. Governments switching access on and off Iran began restoring nationwide internet access on May 26, ending an 88-day shutdown that began on February 28. Traffic hit 40% of pre-shutdown levels the next day. … More → The post Cloudflare reveals what’s behind major internet outages appeared first on Help Net Security.

Impact

Internet access in Iran and various regions affected by natural disasters and infrastructure failures.

Exploitation Status

No active exploitation has been reported at this time. However, organizations should still apply patches promptly as proof-of-concept code may exist.

Timeline

Disclosed on October 2023

Remediation

Not specified

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Read Original Article

Related Coverage

Hackers abuse npm mirrors to host phishing redirect pages

BleepingComputer

Hackers are taking advantage of npm and its mirrors to host fake HTML pages that mimic Cloudflare's CAPTCHA system. These pages trick users into clicking links that redirect them to websites controlled by the attackers. This tactic poses a significant risk, especially for developers and users who rely on npm for package management. By using trusted platforms like npm, attackers can increase the likelihood that users will fall for their scams. The incident raises concerns about the security of widely used software repositories and the potential for further exploitation if left unchecked.

Aug 25, 2026

The GTA VI leaks are breaking the internet. Security researchers have seen this before.

CyberScoop

Recent leaks related to the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI have sent shockwaves through the gaming community and beyond. Over the span of a week, a series of daily leaks emerged, including a memecoin and a manifesto, drawing significant attention online. Security researchers note that this situation resembles familiar tactics used in extortion schemes, albeit with a much larger audience due to the game's popularity. The leaks not only compromise sensitive information but also raise concerns about the security practices of the companies involved. As the gaming industry grapples with the fallout, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that can arise during high-stakes product launches.

Aug 25, 2026

AnonyMousKIT PhaaS uses voice AI agents to phish iPhone passcodes

BleepingComputer

A new phishing-as-a-service platform named AnonyMousKIT has been discovered, which automates the process of stealing passcodes from iPhones. This service utilizes voice AI agents to trick users into providing their unlock codes, specifically targeting those who have had their Apple devices stolen. Once attackers obtain the passcodes, they can disable the Activation Lock, allowing them to access and potentially resell the stolen devices. This poses a significant risk to iPhone users, as it could lead to increased theft and exploitation of stolen devices. Users are urged to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information.

Aug 25, 2026

Arrested man allegedly impersonated NSA elite hacking unit, Supreme Court chief justice

CyberScoop

Joshua Culver, also known as 'Maverick Young,' has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a high-ranking official from the NSA's Tailored Access Operations unit, which is known for its elite hacking capabilities. This incident reportedly took place during a period when the unit was not publicly referred to by that name, raising concerns about the potential for misuse of sensitive information and authority. Culver is also accused of impersonating the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This type of impersonation can have serious implications for national security and the integrity of government institutions, as it can undermine trust in official communications. Law enforcement continues to investigate the full extent of Culver's actions and any potential victims affected by his impersonations.

Aug 25, 2026

U.S. Sanctions Iran-Linked Hackers Behind Critical Infrastructure Breaches

The Hacker News

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed new sanctions on Iranian hackers linked to breaches of critical infrastructure. This move is part of a broader strategy to cut off Iran's financial resources and disrupt its cyber operations. The sanctions target individuals and entities believed to be involved in cyber attacks that threaten vital systems. By taking this action, the U.S. aims to hold accountable those responsible for these security breaches and to deter future cyber threats from Iran. This development is significant as it underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the role of cyber warfare in international relations.

Aug 25, 2026

CISA adds Oracle WebLogic bug to its list of exploited vulnerabilities

SCM feed for Latest

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added a newly identified vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic to its list of actively exploited security issues. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain access to core business applications within an enterprise, posing significant risks to sensitive data and operations. Organizations using Oracle WebLogic middleware need to be particularly vigilant, as this exploitation could lead to severe disruptions and data breaches. Experts recommend that affected companies prioritize patching this vulnerability to safeguard their systems. The urgency is underscored by the fact that attackers are actively exploiting this flaw.

Aug 25, 2026