What it is about
Israel faces increased cyberattacks from Iran following the October 7 assault by Hamas, as the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas intensifies.
Why it matters
These ongoing cyber incursions underscore Iran’s commitment to their digital offensive against Israel, which will likely continue even if hostilities on the ground were to diminish.
Driving the news
Despite efforts to achieve a ceasefire, Iranian hackers—backed by the regime and groups aligned with Khamenei—are increasingly refining their cyber capabilities as a long-term strategy.
What they’re saying
Ben Read, who leads cyberespionage analysis at Mandiant, remarked, “I don’t think [Iran] is going to be happy with Israel, even in the case of a ceasefire or some sort of improvement in conditions” in Gaza.
State of play
Since the tragic events of October 7, which resulted in the loss of 1,200 Israeli lives, Iranian cyber operatives have significantly escalated their attacks on Israeli infrastructure. These actions are part of Iran’s broader strategy to solidify its national interests and deter Western intelligence activities.
Background
Iran’s cyber capabilities have been evolving over the years. Notable incidents include the 2012 “Shamoon” virus at Saudi Aramco and the 2020 attacks targeting Gilead Sciences. Most recently, Iranian hackers have aimed at both American political campaigns and Israeli industrial systems.
Zoom in
James Shires, a technology and global affairs expert, noted that Iran leverages cyber warfare to influence public perception, emphasizing the importance of these online battles in modern conflicts. Iranian spin doctors further amplify disinformation through various online platforms.
Between the lines
Tehran’s cyber efforts are spearheaded by groups like APT33, APT34, and APT42, which operate with sophisticated tactics targeting critical Israeli and American entities. Although not at the level of cyber giants like Russia or China, Iran’s disruptiveness in cyberspace is substantial.
What’s next
Experts caution that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas won’t hinder Iran’s cyber aggression. The ongoing digital conflict presents a persistent threat, capable of escalating tensions if miscalculated attacks occur.
The bottom line
The digital battlefield remains a critical component of Iran’s strategy against Israel, and this cyber conflict is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. As Ben Read stated, “The cyber stuff seems to be a way for Iran to both impact Israel and be seen impacting Israel that does not incur a significant escalation.”
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.