The White House on Wednesday warned of "further action" against Iran as it denounced what it called an "unprecedented" cyber attack against US ally Albania.
"The United States strongly condemns Iran's cyber attack against our Nato ally, Albania," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that "Iran should be held accountable".
"The United States will take further action to hold Iran accountable for actions that threaten the security of a US ally and set a troubling precedent for cyberspace."
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama accused Iran of directing the cyber attack against Albanian institutions on July 15 in a bid to "paralyse public services and hack data and electronic communications from the government systems". He is now cutting all diplomatic ties with the nation.
"This extreme response ... is fully proportionate to the gravity and risk of the cyber attack that threatened to paralyse public services, erase digital systems and hack into state records, steal government intranet electronic communication and stir chaos and insecurity in the country," Mr Rama said in a statement.
The incident comes as the US and EU powers are struggling to salvage an agreement that would impose strict controls on the controversial Iranian nuclear sector in exchange for lifting some sanctions.
Albanian officials said the attacks targeted Albania's governmental mainframe and started as a ransomware raid, in which the hackers tried to hit critical systems, aiming to render them functionless, it said.
Authorities also pointed to similarities between international cyber attacks, including ones targeting multiple European countries.
Exiled artists bring the colours of Kabul to Albania — in pictures
News agencies contributed to this report
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
