Threat ActorHuman reviewed 2026-08-26 · Researchers

Magic Hound

Energy, media

QUICK ANSWER

Magic Hound (Cobalt Illusion) is an Iran-sponsored espionage actor conducting password-spray operations that have targeted energy and media sectors since 2014. (Source: Researchers, via OpenTrojan actor record)

Definition

Password-spray espionage

Why It Matters / Profile

  • Sponsorship: Iran
  • Active since: 2014
  • Aliases: Cobalt Illusion, Phosphorus?

Current Status

  • Review status: published
  • Last updated: 2026-08-26
  • Evidence: 3 source(s) · 2 technique(s)
  • Confidence: 85%

ATT&CK Techniques

Targets

  • Energy, media

Timeline

  1. 2014 — Magic Hound activity first documented
  2. 2026-08-26 — Profile reviewed (Phase 45C)

Sources

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  1. Question — what do you need to know about Magic Hound?
  2. Evidence — assertions mapped to verifiable references.
  3. Timeline — events in chronological order.
  4. Related Entities — CVE, threat actor, campaign, malware links.
  5. Sources — NVD, CISA KEV, MITRE ATT&CK, vendor advisories.
  6. Notes — your own observations and working hypotheses.

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