Israel Conducts National Cyber Drill to Bolster Readiness Against Large-Scale Attacks

The National Emergency Authority (NEMA) within the Ministry of Defense and the National Cyber Directorate (INCD) conducted a national exercise on November 18 simulating a large-scale cyberattack targeting multiple sectors of the economy. The exercise, which involved 26 government ministries and emergency organizations, marked the culmination of an annual process aimed at better preparing the economy and government offices to respond effectively to a widespread cyber event that could disrupt daily life in the country. 

The scenario practiced involved a cyberattack simultaneously impacting key organizations in the transportation, healthcare, financial, governmental, supply, and energy sectors.

Over the past year, NEMA and the National Cyber Directorate carried out extensive training and preparations to improve the national response to a potential cyber crisis. Among other activities, 40,000 civil servants from 20 government ministries participated last month in a drill testing their alertness to phishing messages.

"In today’s reality, the threat is only intensifying, and we are likely to face more and more cyber incidents,” said Gabi Portnoy, Head of the INCD. “A cyber event requires a national-level response, coordinated efforts, and the creation of broad management mechanisms to provide a state-level solution. Beyond the technological aspects and their impact on operational continuity, cyber incidents today include a significant element of influence and perception, emphasizing the critical role of communication during a crisis."

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yoram Lardo, Head of the NEMA, noted that "The expansion of cyber threats over the past year necessitates enhancing the readiness and preparedness of Israel's vital sectors. Today’s large-scale exercise concludes a year of meaningful and collaborative efforts with the Cyber Directorate and government ministries."