(JTA) — The computer database of a former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff reportedly was compromised in an Iranian cyber attack late last year.

Yaser Balaghi, a hacker working for Iran, gained access to the full contents of the unidentified army leader’s computer, the Times of Israel reported Tuesday, citing Israel’s Channel 10.

The operation was halted midstream when the hacker’s identity was compromised. It targeted nearly 2,000 people all over the world, including scientists, Israeli army generals and Persian Gulf-area human rights activists.

The victims were hacked when they opened an email message that downloaded spyware onto their computer.

It is not clear exactly what or how much information Iran obtained from the operation.

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