Military officials report that Israel has been defending itself against cyber-attacks over recent months. Cyber security ClearSky released a report the attacks have been ongoing since July 2014. These attacks are believed to be the work of Iran the report explains, adding that Israel is not the only target but other nations including Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and the US too.

Often the hackers will send an email with an attachment, which when opened launches a virus on a computer system. This virus permits the hackers to control the host computer. Efforts to break into computers are complex, and often involved setting up websites and more to give an air of legitimacy.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkott on Monday, 28 Sivan, announced the formation of the military’s Cyber Unit to combat such attacks. According to ClearSky, it has identified attacks against 40 targets in Israel including government and defense agencies as well as academic institutions.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)