Dissidents, activists and journalists were among those targeted, said GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Iranian “cyber actors” are said to have used spyware to collect information such as screen captures and messaging history.
Spies in the UK discovered the plot alongside allies in the US and Netherlands.
NCSC said they had watched Iranian state hackers trying to trick targets into downloading software that can track their movements.
The cyber criminals also impersonated contacts on services like WhatsApp, built rapport and then used spyware called ‘CHOSEN BRICK’ to steal sensitive information.
The spyware allows attackers to steal information on a target’s contacts, such as emails and social media messages, NCSC said.
It also can also allow them to capture screen content and access the device microphone.
The NCSC said it was issuing new advice to those at risk.
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