Israel Thwarts 85 Cyberattacks by Iran-Linked Groups Targeting Officials and Civilians

Israel’s security agency, Shin Bet, has announced that it stopped 85 cyberattacks this year that were targeting high-profile Israeli citizens, including politicians, defense officials, academics, and journalists.

These attacks were part of a larger effort by Iranian-backed operatives to collect personal information. Their goal was to track the daily lives of their targets—such as home addresses, personal relationships, and places they often visit—in order to plan possible attacks.

According to Shin Bet, the hackers usually contacted victims using messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram or through email. They created believable cover stories related to the victim’s profession to avoid suspicion.

One of the most common tactics was sending fake Google Meet links. Victims were tricked into entering their Google login information, giving the hackers access to their emails, saved passwords, photos, and even device location data. Other methods included fake apps and spyware hidden in documents, which users were told to download for review or approval.

A Shin Bet official warned the public about the growing cyber threat from Iran and stressed the importance of being careful online. “Many of these attacks can be avoided if people are alert and don’t click on unknown links,” the official said.

Iran’s strategy for spying on Israel is becoming more direct. In recent years, they have recruited Israeli citizens through simple Telegram messages offering quick money.

In one recent case, an 18-year-old from Yavne, Moshe Atias, was arrested in April for allegedly spying on the security team of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Atias was caught gathering information outside a hospital during the former leader’s heart procedure. Authorities charged him with serious national security offenses.

This was not an isolated incident. Shin Bet says this was the 19th major espionage case in Israel linked to Iran.

In another case last month, a Tel Aviv court sentenced 73-year-old Moti Maman to 10 years in prison. He had traveled to Iran twice and met with Iranian intelligence agents. During those visits, he discussed plans for terrorist attacks, including the assassination of top Israeli officials.

Israel’s security services continue to warn the public to remain cautious and alert, especially when dealing with unknown online contacts or suspicious messages.