As the American People exhibit concern against a possible terror attack to coincide with the decade anniversary of 9/11, Israel’s counter-terrorism bureau is working overtime as well, issuing travel advisors for Turkey, Sinai, Nigeria and Tunisia, as well as Israel’s cyber system, with the latter posing serious concerns.

In today’s computerized world a major attack against a computer infrastructure can bring a nation to its knees. If hospital computers are targeted for example, death can result. Communications can be compromised, impacting security, intelligence and other agencies, and the damage may indeed be extensive, both in the loss of life and the economic ramifications.

According to Tel Aviv University Professor Isaac Ben-Israel, in his address to the 5th annual Latrun Conference of Land Warfare held last week, the fear of thousands of cyber attacks is one that poses genuine concern. The former IDF major-general explained that on a regular day, hundreds of such attacks are carried out and in the event of a true emergency; this reality can be expected to increase into the thousands, daily.

Ben-Israel’s team has submitted its recommendations to the appropriate Israeli officials as what can be done ahead of such attacks, which include the establishment of a national consultant who would advise pertaining to cyber threats. A state institution must be established he explained, and the situation demands constant monitoring. Realizing the current threat level, the government has indeed appointed a national advisor and a NIS 2.5 billion five-year budget has been allocated.

Ben-Israel appears less concerned with government systems, warning banks are especially vulnerable, and it is obvious to all that damage in that sector can be quite significant.

It is a known fact that Iranian and other hackers are working in earnest to perpetrate such attacks, and just last week it was reported that hackers had succeeded in fabricating certificates for a number of agencies including the Mossad.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)