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A mid-November report by Cybernews reveals that a pro-Palestinian hacktivist group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack targeting Israel’s Ministry of National Security. The attackers allege that the breach exposed sensitive data belonging to nearly 5,000 individuals, marking an escalation in the digital warfare surrounding the ongoing conflict. The group has apparently contacted Cybernews voluntarily, framing the attack as a part of their “victories” in the war.
The group claims to have accessed confidential data from Israel’s Firearm Licensing Department, which processes applications for firearm permits. According to the report, the stolen documents include a range of sensitive personal information, such as certifications of completed military service, identification documents, medical assessments, and residence permits. These documents suggest that the people whose information was leaked include current or former members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Jewish residents that live beyond the Green Line, and additional Israeli citizens who may have applied for gun permits, including, apparently, many residents of Tel Aviv.
The attackers used the leaked documents to demonstrate the breach, raising alarms about the access they had gained to personal and military data. The implications for national security are worrisome, as the exposed information could potentially be used for intelligence gathering or other hostile purposes. Cybernews claims to have reached out to Israel’s Ministry of National Security for comment, but no response had been provided.
This attack is part of a broader wave of cyber assaults targeting Israeli infrastructure amid escalating tensions. Israel has faced an uptick in cyberattacks, with hackers targeting a wide range of sectors, including government organizations, military systems, the aviation industry, and critical infrastructure.
As the cyber battleground continues to evolve, Israel faces challenges in defending its digital infrastructure. The growing frequency and sophistication of these cyberattacks underscore the need for vigilance and heightened security measures from both industries and individuals.
