INSS Global Cyber Review – April 2013
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עברית (Hebrew)
Israel
Israeli Government invests in the next generation of cyber experts
The Israeli government has decided to invest approximately 300m ILS to improve research and development infrastructure in the cyber-arena by building an academic campus in the southern city of Dimona.
Anonymous fails to “wipe Israel off the Internet”
The much publicized cyber-attacks carried out by Anonymous against Israel in April 2013, failed to bring down any major sites or cause serious damage despite carrying out thousands of attacks. However, although largely unsuccessful, Anonymous has greatly improved its capability over the last few years.The attacks gave rise to a concerted and extensive campaign of retaliation from a pro-Israel hacking group called IsraeliElite.
USA
US-North Korea tension over cyb
er-attack accusations
The official news agency of North Korea, KCNA, accused the U.S. government of cyber-attacks that cut its access to the Internet. North Korea claims that the timing associated with these cyber-attacks coincides with the U.S./South Korea joint military exercise last week. North Korea’s disconnection from the Internet has been verified by “Ransys” firm, which monitors network health in the world.
Threat of Chinese cyber-espionage
U.S. Congress restricts government purchase of Chinese computer equipment, citing cyber-espionage concerns. The latest U.S. appropriations bill includes a provision that is likely to raise tensions further between the country and China.
Russia
Statistics show increase of cyber-attacks against Russia
In 2012, Russia recorded 28% more high-tech crimes and cyber-attacks than those recorded in 2011, as announced on the national cyber forum, the “Info Forum 2013”, which took place in March 2013. The total number of registered attacks and cybercrimes in 2012 was 3,645.
The Arab Countries
Iranian/Hezbollah/Palestinian cyber-attacks against Israel
A joint attack on Israeli websites was carried out on April 7th, 2013. This attack was a joint effort by groups from Iran, Lebanon (specifically Hezbollah) and Palestinian groups. Among the groups that are associated with this attack is the group Remember Emad and Parastoo, a known associate of Hezbollah. In the case of Parastoo, the aim of announcing their attack in advance was to create chaos and panic among the Israeli public, causing them to concentrate on getting ready for the attack and therefore interrupting their daily activities.
China and APAC
Asian States agree on new measures to counter cyber-terrorism
The Council of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) through its permanent organ, the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), conducted its 22nd session in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent, and reached an agreement on new measures to fight cyber terrorism.
Singaporean Government amends cyber-security laws
Singapore’s government will be able to compel businesses to take action in order to prevent cyber-attacks on computer systems in certain circumstances after amendments were made to the country’s computer misuse laws.
The Singaporean government has passed amendments to the city-state’s Computer Misuse Act, renaming it the Computer Misuse and Cyber security Act, and granting itself powers to take proactive measures against a potential cyber threat before it disrupts critical infrastructure.
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Europe
Stuxnet prompts debate over the rules of cyber-warfare
According to research commissioned by a NATO defense center, the Stuxnet worm used against Iran in 2009-2010 is an “act of force” and likely violates international law. The 20 experts who produced the study were unanimous that Stuxnet was an act of force, but were less clear about whether the cyber sabotage against Iran’s nuclear program constituted an “armed attack,” which would entitle Iran to use counterforce in self-defense.
British Government takes steps to protect industry from cyber-attacks
The British Government has announced a new cyber partnership launched to help government and industry share information and intelligence on cyber security threats.
The Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CISP) delivers a key component of the UK’s cyber security strategy in facilitating the sharing of information on cyber threats in order to make UK business more secure in cyberspace.
