Several times over the past week, the Iranian authorities have blocked the people's access to internet, according to NetBlocks, a watchdog organization that tracks cybersecurity and internet governance. Iran is in good company, of course; completely shutting down internet access is a common practice in nondemocratic countries.

The government cited the recent hacks on Bank Sepah and cryptocurrency exchange Nobite as reasons to shut down internet access to virtually all Iranians.

Restrictions leave millions without access to most websites in wake of cyber attacks