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Cyber in the IDF: warfare and security

Feb 23, 2015

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

The IDF is preparing for cyberwars to come. The Northern Command has recently inaugurated a cyber security array; the IAF has been practicing various scenarios comprising cyber security and cyber attack targeting its systems.

The IDF is taking cyber threats and possible attack seriously. IDF’s Northern Command has recently launched its own formation dedicated to cyber security. Also in recent weeks, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted a drill designed to train against a possible cyber attack against it. The IAF’s ’Ofek’ (Hebrew for ’horizon’) unit simulated hacking into Air Force networks.

IDF Northern Command has established a cyber desk of its own, designed to minimize various system vulnerabilities. “We are entering an era during which cyber attacks could be stealthier and yet deadlier. Setting up the security desk is part of a greater process aimed at enhancing IDF infrastructure’s immunity to hacks and internet-based threats.” This, according to an explanation by the senior officer in charge of the cyber security desk.

During the recent tension in the north of Israel, the cyber desk was already operational. It was tasked with safeguarding regular communications between the forces in the field. Another task the desk has been made in charge of: making sure the enemy does not gain access to the IDF and the Northern Command’s intentions. Senior command officers explain that the scope of cyber warfare has been intensifying in recent years, mainly among terrorist organizations.

During operation “Protective Edge”, various hostile elements have launched cyber attack against public Israeli networks. Safeguarding operational networks and virtual systems in the home front, including the IDF’s core command and control array, is critical when it comes to cyber security and defense as well. “During the next round of fighting, terrorist organization will no doubt target the IDF,” Northern Command officers say.

The Israeli Air Force is of the same opinion, it seems. Head of cyber operations at the IAF’s Ofek unit: “global cyber threats have been intensifying. Our adversaries fully understand the advantages cyberspace affords. Our allocated resources and efforts have increased in parallel to mounting threats.”

IAF’s ’Ofek’ has been developing operational systems which are subsequently incorporated into the entire Air Force systems and array, and are at the heart of its operational activity. This encompasses everything from management, command and control units, through air defense systems to combat aircraft. In addition to Ofek’s system development, the IAF has several teams tasked with monitoring the Corp’s networks and block any hack or disruption attempts.

In the framework of a recent drill, Ofek was divided into ten teams, each attempting to trace as many hack attempts into the systems as possible. Additionally, the units also simulated the threat in the opposite direction: they attempted to hack into the systems themselves. They spent an entire day targeting the network’s system. This, having engaged in missions designed to defend the unit from cyber attacks and block them.

Ofek senior staff explain the goal of the drill was to have the teams enter hackers’ mindset and experience the scene from the opposite direction. “Our vision,” added Ofek commander, “is to provide comprehensive system defense. They would have to safeguard the system across the board, and prevent attackers from finding even a single vulnerability. The IAF knows how to provide the proper response dedicated to denying the enemy entry into our systems.”