Cybertech Global Tel Aviv | Israel Cyber Chief on the Cyber Dimension of the Swords of Iron War
“On October 7th, Hamas succeeded in undermining the physical security of the people of Israel – but at the same time, cyber-attacks directed by the Iranian regime have undermined security in that domain, something which is still ongoing,” said Gabi Portnoy
Mandi Kogosowski
| 09/04/2024
Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik
“On October 7th, Hamas succeeded in undermining the physical security of the people of Israel – but at the same time, cyber-attacks directed by the Iranian regime began targeting all of Israel’s sectors around the clock, undermining security in that domain as well, something which is still ongoing” said Gabi Portnoy, Director-General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), on the main Cybertech Global Tel Aviv stage this morning (Tuesday).
Taking the audience behind the scenes of the INCD’s war in cyberspace during the current Swords of Iron war Israel is fighting, Portnoy said that this is Israel’s biggest national challenge, noting three main worrisome developments: a higher intensity of attacks; increased cooperation between Iran and its proxies, notably Hezbollah; and the increasing scope and sophistication of public influence campaigns.
״On October 7th, the INCD shifted to an emergency mode of work, putting all of its effort into resilience. Strengthening the sectorial and organizational level, reaching out to new organizations, implementing new technologies, designing new systems and protocols, strengthening the service to the public, and more,” Portnoy said, adding that the scope of Iran-linked cyber-attacks against Israel has increased threefold since the beginning of the war.
Speaking about the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS), Portnoy said that it is now known that it employs civilian counterparts, which are engaged in attacks against Israel – among many other targets. This civilian group is commonly known by the name “ Black Shadow,” and the identity of its members has recently been revealed. Portnoy showed the photos and names of six group members during his talk. Among the group’s attacks against Israel was one against the Ziv Hospital in the north in January 2024.
“Global cyber terrorists know no borders. Iran. With one push of a button, can attack not only Israel – but also Albania, the US, and many other countries. We must say this out loud: we have to fight cyberterrorism together. Cybersecurity must be dome together.
“On October 7th, Hamas succeeded in undermining the physical security of the people of Israel – but at the same time, cyber-attacks directed by the Iranian regime have undermined security in that domain, something which is still ongoing,” said Gabi Portnoy
Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik
“On October 7th, Hamas succeeded in undermining the physical security of the people of Israel – but at the same time, cyber-attacks directed by the Iranian regime began targeting all of Israel’s sectors around the clock, undermining security in that domain as well, something which is still ongoing” said Gabi Portnoy, Director-General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), on the main Cybertech Global Tel Aviv stage this morning (Tuesday).
Taking the audience behind the scenes of the INCD’s war in cyberspace during the current Swords of Iron war Israel is fighting, Portnoy said that this is Israel’s biggest national challenge, noting three main worrisome developments: a higher intensity of attacks; increased cooperation between Iran and its proxies, notably Hezbollah; and the increasing scope and sophistication of public influence campaigns.
״On October 7th, the INCD shifted to an emergency mode of work, putting all of its effort into resilience. Strengthening the sectorial and organizational level, reaching out to new organizations, implementing new technologies, designing new systems and protocols, strengthening the service to the public, and more,” Portnoy said, adding that the scope of Iran-linked cyber-attacks against Israel has increased threefold since the beginning of the war.
Speaking about the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS), Portnoy said that it is now known that it employs civilian counterparts, which are engaged in attacks against Israel – among many other targets. This civilian group is commonly known by the name “ Black Shadow,” and the identity of its members has recently been revealed. Portnoy showed the photos and names of six group members during his talk. Among the group’s attacks against Israel was one against the Ziv Hospital in the north in January 2024.
“Global cyber terrorists know no borders. Iran. With one push of a button, can attack not only Israel – but also Albania, the US, and many other countries. We must say this out loud: we have to fight cyberterrorism together. Cybersecurity must be dome together.
