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A wave of cyberattacks targeting Israeli companies that provide IT services to businesses across the country, possibly linked to Iran, has been detected, the National Cyber Directorate announced on Wednesday.
The series of coordinated cyber intrusions were aimed at disrupting operations of Israeli technology providers that supply digital infrastructure to multiple sectors, including healthcare.
The directorate noted that while most attempts were unsuccessful, some incidents resulted in data leaks involving sensitive information.
One notable attack targeted the Shamir Medical Center during Yom Kippur earlier this month. Hackers managed to leak emails containing patient details but failed to penetrate the hospital’s central medical record system.
The attack, described as an Iranian attempt to disrupt hospital functions, was quickly neutralized before it could compromise vital systems or endanger lives.
“Thanks to quick communications and a hasty, focused response, the incidents were contained quickly and efficiently, preventing broader harm to the economy,” said Yossi Karadi, head of the National Cyber Directorate.
“In the case of Shamir Medical Center, beyond the data leak, the very attempt to harm a hospital in Israel is a red line that could have endangered lives.”
According to investigators, the hackers used stolen credentials and previously leaked data to infiltrate the targeted systems. This technique allowed them to bypass initial security measures, though swift responses by Israeli cyber teams prevented the attacks from escalating.
The National Cyber Directorate stated that the campaign appeared to be part of a broader pattern of Iranian cyber activity aimed at undermining Israel’s digital infrastructure.
Over the past year, Israel has experienced a rise in cyberattacks targeting essential services, ranging from energy networks to transportation systems.
Experts say these attempts reflect the growing sophistication of state-sponsored cyber operations. Targeting IT service providers allows attackers to potentially access multiple organizations through a single breach, amplifying the risk to national infrastructure.
While the Shamir Medical Center incident was quickly contained, the exposure of patient data underscores the vulnerability of healthcare institutions, which have increasingly become targets for politically motivated cyberattacks.
Karadi urged the public and businesses to maintain heightened vigilance and report any suspicious cyber activity immediately. “Cybersecurity is not the sole responsibility of the state—it requires collective awareness,” he emphasized.
The National Cyber Directorate continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with private IT firms to strengthen security protocols and ensure rapid response to any future incidents.
Despite the growing frequency of such attacks, Israeli authorities assert that their defensive measures remain robust. However, experts warn that the evolving cyber landscape demands constant adaptation and collaboration to protect both public and private sectors from foreign interference.
As geopolitical tensions persist, cyber warfare remains one of the most critical fronts in Israel’s national defense strategy.