The head of the cyber system reveals the extent of Iran’s digital warfare

One of the most notable developments is a systematic attempt to collect intelligence on security personnel, researchers and defense industry personnel. According to the information presented, the attackers tried to gain control over means of documentation, including cameras in public and private spaces, with the aim of tracking the movements of potential targets and even harming them later. The formation emphasizes that these actions were thwarted, among other things thanks to cooperation with the Shin Bet.

During the last period, about 50 large-scale incidents were identified in which attackers tried to penetrate camera systems. This is not a single hack, but attempts to take over entire systems. The array states that the protection of the cameras in many cases is insufficient, which makes them a weak point. Despite this, the events of security significance were largely thwarted.

Meanwhile, there was also a sharp increase in data deletion attacks. According to the data, about 50 such incidents have been dealt with since the beginning of the fighting, more than twice as many as the period that preceded it. In these cases, the attackers succeeded in penetrating organizational systems and deleting databases, an action that led to the paralysis of the organizations’ activities until the information was restored from backups. The organization emphasizes that these are mainly small and medium-sized organizations, but sensitive infrastructures were also the target of attack attempts.

At the same time, hundreds of targeted alerts were sent to organizations identified as potential targets. These are red alerts aimed at enabling early preparation and preventing intrusion into systems. The number of notifications in the current period is already approaching the annual volumes recorded in previous years.

The assessment of the situation in the cyber system indicates that the attacks are not accidental, but part of a broad strategic effort. Among the targets mentioned are also critical infrastructures such as water systems, electricity and financial institutions. The fear is that an attempt to damage these systems could cause widespread disruptions and significant damage to the economy.

The organization emphasizes that the struggle does not end with curbing the attacks, but also includes an attempt to reduce their economic impact. According to estimates, the countermeasures carried out so far have saved the Israeli economy significant sums, among other things due to the prevention of money theft and the reduction of system shutdowns.

According to officials in the system, Iran is trying to produce achievements in the digital arena as well, especially in view of the difficulty of achieving achievements in other arenas. Meanwhile, it is estimated that the attempts will continue and even increase as the fighting continues, which requires continued vigilance, investment in defense and cooperation between security, civilian and business entities.

The cyber system emphasizes that the public and organizations are required to adhere to basic security rules, including being careful of suspicious messages, updating systems and using advanced protective measures. Alongside this, the effort continues to improve technological capabilities and reduce the window of time in which attacks are able to cause damage.