The National Security Agency and the CIA helped Israel develop the “flame” computer virus.

Unnamed officials tell the Washington Post that the agencies used the malware to infiltrate Iran’s computer systems and collect intelligence on that country’s nuclear weapons program.

Flame is considered one of the most complex cyber-spying tools and security experts have suspected the United States of having a hand in its development.

Together with recent leaks that the U.S. helped develop the earlier Stuxnet virus that attacked Iran it offers a picture of a sustained, covert, cyber mission.

The agencies have refused to comment.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.

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