An Iranian cyber group known as Handala has claimed responsibility for breaching Israel’s radar defenses and sending threatening text messages to 500,000 Israeli citizens. The messages, according to the group, warned of imminent attacks and urged the public to oppose the Israeli government and support Iran. The specific content of the messages included dire warnings for the citizens to evacuate cities to potentially reduce damage.
This announcement was made via social media platforms, including Telegram, where the group declared their actions as a response to ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. Handala is recognized for its previous cyberattacks targeting both Israeli government and private sector entities.
In Israel, concerns are mounting over the potential for more severe cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. Gaby Portnoy, head of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, noted at the Cybertech conference in Tel Aviv that cyberattacks by Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah, have increased significantly. He stated that the attacks have intensified since the beginning of the Hamas-led conflict on October 7. The cyber offensive has targeted multiple sectors including healthcare, finance, and government, attempting to disrupt Israel’s digital and physical security landscape.
Despite the high volume of attacks, there has been no substantial economic damage reported, though sensitive data was extracted during an attack on Ziv Medical Center in Safed. The Israeli cyber defense strategy remains vigilant, with Portnoy sending a stark warning to hackers, particularly those operating out of Tehran under the guise of civilian tech companies.
As cyber warfare continues to evolve, Israel and its cyber defense forces remain on high alert, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to combat these digital threats effectively.
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