An Iranian firm paid over $3 million in ransom last month to prevent a threat group from releasing personal account data from more than 20 domestic banks. This action was taken to avoid destabilizing the country's financial system, which is already under strain due to international sanctions. The cyberattack, described as the 'biggest-ever' on Iran's banking system, had previously been reported by Iran International in August. Officials emphasized that the regime pushed for the deal fearing the repercussions of the data theft on the financial sector, including the Central Bank.