# Pink Sandstorm: threat group profile

> Pink Sandstorm is a threat group thought to operate from Iran. Public reporting about it is still limited. This free profile brings together what is known about it, so you can judge the risk to you. It lists the other names the group goes by and links to every public report behind it.

Canonical page: https://www.edgeprotect.io/threat-actors/pink-sandstorm
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## At a glance

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack techniques | 0 |
| Thought to operate from | Iran |
| Other names | 7 |
| Public reports | 7 |

## Who is Pink Sandstorm?

Pink Sandstorm is a threat group thought to operate from Iran. Public reporting about it is still limited.

### Also known as

AMERICIUM, BlackShadow, DEV-0022, Agrius, Agonizing Serpens, UNC2428, Black Shadow

Security companies each give the same group their own name, so one group can have many.

### What public reporting says

> Agonizing Serpens is an Iranian-linked APT group that has been active since 2020. They are known for their destructive wiper and fake-ransomware attacks, primarily targeting Israeli organizations in the education and technology sectors. The group has strong connections to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security and has been observed using various tools and techniques to bypass security measures. They aim to steal sensitive information, including PII and intellectual property, and inflict damage by wiping endpoints.

## Public reports about Pink Sandstorm

- https://www.oodaloop.com/archive/2024/01/02/critical-infrastructure-remains-the-brass-ring-for-cyber-attackers-in-2024/
- https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/agonizing-serpens-targets-israeli-tech-higher-ed-sectors/
- https://socprime.com/blog/agonizing-serpens-attack-detection-iran-backed-hackers-target-israeli-tech-firms-and-educational-institutions/
- https://therecord.media/iran-linked-hackers-target-israel-education-tech-sectors
- https://www.enigmasoftware.com/moneybirdransomware-removal/
- https://research.checkpoint.com/2023/agrius-deploys-moneybird-in-targeted-attacks-against-israeli-organizations/
- https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/m-trends-2025-en.pdf

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is Pink Sandstorm?

Pink Sandstorm is a threat group thought to operate from Iran. Public reporting about it is still limited.

### Where is Pink Sandstorm thought to be based?

Public reporting places Pink Sandstorm as operating from Iran. Attribution is never certain: it rests on the tools, infrastructure and targets researchers have seen.

### How do I know if Pink Sandstorm is a risk to my business?

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