Israel Police on Thursday cut itself off from the civilian internet in response to cyber authority intelligence reports of a planned cyber attack. Israel Radio reports that the warning indicated a virus would infiltrate the department’s main computer system via a flash drive inserted in one of the computers. Officials decided to act on the warning and ordered the system disconnected, sending a directive to all police stations nationwide. In addition, an order was issued that no personnel may insert a CD or flash drive into department computers.

Department computer experts are now evaluating the system to determine if an attack occurred and if it did, to assess the damage and risk factor. Reports indicate that the intelligence information did not say what organization is behind the attack.

The nation’s new Cyber Bureau, established by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during this term in office, this week is taking part in the nationwide earthquake simulation exercises with the realization the national computer systems are an integral component of running the nation and therefore, at risk from natural disasters and terrorism alike. Therefore efforts must be made to protect the essential computers from being compromised.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)