Israel Faces Three-Fold Increase in Cyber Threats from Iran

Israel is facing a significant increase in cyberattacks, particularly from Iran, following October 7th. According to Israel's National Cyber Directorate, companies worldwide experienced more cyber ransom attacks in 2023. The education sector saw a dramatic rise in ransomware incidents, increasing from 129 in 2022 to 265 in 2023. Ransomware hackers extorted $1 billion across 2023, as reported by a U.S. data insights company. Despite the increased cyber threats, critical infrastructure in Israel, such as power and water systems, has not been breached. However, there is growing concern over Iran's improving cyber capabilities, which could pose a future risk. The rate of cyberattacks against Israel rose three-fold post-October 7th. The city of Tel Aviv has become quieter as residents and businesses deal with the fear of potential retaliation from Iran.