Authorities investigate cyberattack at nuclear talks

Investigations underway over spying at Iran talks Keystone

The Federal Prosecutors’ Office announced on Thursday the opening of an investigation into a cyberattack which allegedly occurred earlier this year during international nuclear talks on Iran in Switzerland.

Swiss authorities also confirmed that searches were carried out in May at an un-named Geneva hotel, in which computers were confiscated. This came after evidence was obtained from federal intelligence services, which suspected the involvement of a foreign intelligence service.

On Wednesday, the Russian-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky said a spy virus, known as Duqu, had affected three hotels used during the talks, which included delegates from Iran, the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.

According to Kaspersky, detection of Duqu is extremely difficult as, unlike other viruses, it does not leave any trace on computers or networks it attacks.

In March, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel was spying on nuclear talks in Switzerland.

Israel, which had strongly criticised opening talks with Iran, dismissed reports of cyberspying at the Swiss negotiations as baseless.

Talks had been held at Geneva hotels Wilson and Intercontinental as well as Lausanne’s Beau Rivage and the Royal Plaza in Montreux.

International negotiators reached a framework agreement with Iran on April 2 and are seeking to conclude a final deal by June 30.