Cortex Cloud Security Research

Tracking Iranian APT Screening Serpens’ 2026 Espionage Campaigns

Unit 42 researchers have observed evidence of cyberattacks by the Iran-nexus advanced persistent threat (APT) group Screening Serpens (aka UNC1549, Smoke Sandstorm and Iranian Dream Job). Based on our visibility, we believe that the group targeted entities in the U.S., Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and likely two additional Middle Eastern entities.

May 22, 2026
By Unit 42