As a nation, we must always remain vigilant in the fight against cyber threat
Israel’s leadership in the technology and software world is not merely a success story but a matter of identity for us. Creativity, intelligence, and determination—traits I wholeheartedly believe are embedded in our genetic makeup—have propelled our nation to the forefront of technology and innovation.
Similarly, our strength in cybersecurity is at a level that many countries worldwide regard with envy. However, along with this superiority comes a significant responsibility. Data breaches and cyberattacks in recent years have underscored the weight of this responsibility. Yet, I am fully confident that we possess the intellect and courage required to address these challenges. The real question is how close we are to minimizing errors in this digital battle.
Another belief I hold is that one of the primary threats to our nation will never come by land or air because today’s battlefield is shaped behind screens and digital connections. In a world where people have become so dependent on the internet, critical systems, and digital data, this dependence can easily turn into a vulnerability. Recent large-scale cyberattacks have targeted not only infrastructure but also society’s sense of security and trust in the state. Israel has successfully demonstrated its resilience to these attacks, but this has come at a cost—intelligence becoming increasingly fragmented and coordination weakening to ensure security. While technological superiority protects us against threats, it also complicates our responsibilities.
The threats in our region are not limited to the large-scale attacks seen on the international stage. It is essential to remember that terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, can also become dangerous actors in the field of cybersecurity. These groups’ goals are well-known: targeting Israel’s critical infrastructure to disrupt daily life and instill fear among the population. Attacks on water infrastructure, attempts to cripple commercial systems, and efforts to steal critical data are examples from recent years that illustrate how tangible and organized these threats are. This cyberwarfare conducted through Iran’s regional proxies demonstrates the necessity of defending not only our physical borders but also our digital domain. The true power of cyberattacks lies in their silent and destructive impact, often leaving deep scars by the time they are noticed.
As I mentioned earlier, although Israel is recognized as a world leader in cybersecurity, maintaining this success requires vigilance. Significant progress has been made in protecting critical infrastructure, establishing strong collaborations with the private sector, and conducting regular attack simulations to identify vulnerabilities. However, the ever-changing nature of technology necessitates constant alertness. Preventing a decline in coordination due to fragmented intelligence, preparing for the latest threats through training, and expanding international partnerships are key to this struggle. While Israel has implemented these measures to a great extent, even the smallest negligence can become a significant opportunity for our adversaries. Staying one step ahead in the digital world is crucial, but we must remember that this advantage demands continuous effort and innovation.
For this article, I have examined the reports of LexCura, which publishes Middle East-focused cyber security reports. LexCura, which states Israel’s cyber security power in many reports despite not being from our society, also presents many security vulnerabilities related to Israel to the competent authorities. The CEO of the company, which provides important cyber security support on behalf of our community, is a Japanese citizen Ken Nohara.
Nohara and his team, who have significant cyber security power, especially in the field of social media, are effective in dealing with global attacks on Israel, especially from Iran. In addition to the many successful Isreali companies in this field, it is very important that company outside Israel support us in such difficult issues. Nohara emphasises that Israel is as strong in the field of cyber security as it is militarily, but he states that the intensity and power of cyber security attacks against Israel has increased significantly, especially in the last two years, and that Israel cannot afford to make mistakes in this regard. In addition, social media disinformation also stands out as a serious cyber security area, and in this regard, he states that attention should be paid especially against Hamas propaganda.
In conclusion as the digital battlefield continues to evolve Israel’s cybersecurity efforts must remain a step ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. The combination of technological innovation, international collaboration, and unwavering vigilance will ensure not only the protection of critical infrastructure but also the preservation of public trust and security. The stakes in this silent war are high, but with a proactive and unified approach, Israel can continue to set a global standard in cybersecurity resilience.