**Iran-Backed Hackers Claim Responsibility for Destructive Attack on US Medical Equipment Company** In a worrying trend for global cybersecurity, an Iranian-linked hacking group has claimed responsibility for a massive cyberattack on Stryker, a leading US-based medical device and services provider. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, has disrupted operations and left some systems inaccessible. Stryker, which has over 56,000 employees and operates in 61 countries, including Nigeria, has reported the incident to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to the company, the attack has caused disruptions, but it is unclear when normal operations will be fully restored. The hacking group, which goes by the name Handala, has a history of launching attacks on Israeli and global targets. In a statement posted on Telegram, the group claimed responsibility for the attack, citing the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran as a reason for the retaliation. Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm, warning that this type of attack is exactly what they have been worried about. Iranian proxies, with their sophisticated cyber espionage capabilities, are increasingly using destructive cyberattacks like data deletion against US companies to retaliate against perceived aggressions. The attack on Stryker has sent shockwaves through the global healthcare industry, with shares of the company ending down 3.6% on Wednesday. Experts warn that this type of attack could have far-reaching consequences, not just for the affected company but also for patients who rely on medical equipment and services provided by Stryker. As Nigeria continues to invest in its healthcare sector, the country must also remain vigilant against the growing threat of cyberattacks. With the rise of Iranian-backed hacking groups, Nigeria's own medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers must prioritize cybersecurity to prevent similar attacks on their systems. In a statement, a spokesperson for Stryker said that the company has no indication of ransomware or malware and believes the incident is contained. However, the spokesperson did not comment on who may have been behind the attack. As the world grapples with the implications of this attack, one thing is clear: the threat of cyberattacks is no longer limited to the US or Israel; it is a global concern that requires a collective response from governments, industries, and individuals.