Iran-Linked Handala Hackers Claim Massive Cyberattack on Stryker While Verifone Denies Breach
scsecMarch 13, 20261 Mins read 
An Iran-linked hacking group known as Handala Hack Team has claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on two major companies: Stryker Corporation, a global medical device manufacturer, and Verifone, a payment technology provider. The attacks reportedly occurred on March 11, 2026, but the verification status for each incident differs significantly.
Stryker Confirms Network Disruption
Stryker confirmed that a cyber incident affected parts of its internal network, primarily within its Microsoft-based systems. The company detected the issue promptly and took steps to contain the activity. No evidence of ransomware or malware deployment has been reported so far, and the company has not disclosed how attackers accessed the network or whether any data was exfiltrated.
As one of the world’s leading producers of surgical equipment, orthopedic implants, and hospital technology systems, even limited disruptions to Stryker’s operations could have significant consequences for healthcare supply chains globally.
Handala Claims Large-Scale Impact
In posts published on its official website, Handala Hack Team claimed the attack was extensive, reportedly wiping over 200,000 systems, servers, and mobile devices and extracting 50 terabytes of data. The group also claimed that Stryker operations across 79 countries were forced to shut down. These figures have not been independently verified, and Stryker has not confirmed the scale of damage alleged by the hackers.
Handala further announced plans to release proof-of-concept (PoC) material in the coming days to demonstrate how the attack on Stryker was allegedly carried out.
Verifone Breach Claim Remains Unverified
The group also announced a separate operation targeting Verifone, claiming to have breached its internal systems, extracted financial and transaction data, and disrupted payment services.
Verifone has denied these claims, stating that after reviewing the allegations, it found no evidence of a breach. The company reported no service disruptions affecting customers, point-of-sale terminals, or payment processing infrastructure.
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The claims by Handala Hack Team highlight the growing threat posed by state-linked cyber actors targeting critical industries like healthcare and payment processing. While Stryker confirms network disruption, the scale of impact remains unverified. Organizations must remain vigilant, implement strong monitoring, and ensure rapid incident response to mitigate potential risks from sophisticated cyberattacks.