In the wake of the ongoing conflict between Hamas militants and the Israeli Defense Forces, hacktivist groups, including the well-known Russian hackers, Killnet, have set their sights on various Israeli organizations.
On Sunday evening, individuals around the world found themselves unable to access the gov.il website, and Killnet swiftly claimed responsibility for this cyberattack through Telegram.
However, Killnet was keen to clarify that their target was not the ordinary citizens of Israel but the government, which they accuse of aligning with NATO.
They emphasize that their actions are not directed at the critical infrastructure of either side.
Killnet said on the hacked website:
“Israeli government, you are responsible for this bloodshed. Back in 2022, you supported the terrorist regime in Ukraine. You betrayed Russia. Today, Killnet officially informs you of this! All government systems of Israel will be subject to our attacks!”
The website has since resumed normal activity.
All-Out Cyber Attacks On Israel
In a show of solidarity, another hacktivist group called Anonymous Sudan, which many suspect has ties to Russia, has joined forces with Hamas and Killnet on Telegram.
This collective took aim at The Jerusalem Post’s website in their efforts and the media outlet posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) about the attack.
Anonymous Sudan also claimed responsibility for alleged cyberattacks on critical Israeli infrastructure, including the Iron Dome, a vital mobile air defense system, and the Alert applications.
Simultaneously, the Russian hacking group known as the Cyber Army of Russia conducted an online poll to determine their stance in the conflict.
Pro-Israeli hacktivist groups are also active participants in this cyber battleground.
Notably, the official Hamas website fell victim to an alleged attack, purportedly orchestrated by a hacker collective named India Cyber Force.
Among the pro-Israeli hacker groups in action are SilenOne, Garuna Ops, and Team UCC Ops.
In a concerning development, “Team Insane PK” from Pakistan claimed to have hacked an Israeli hydroelectric power plant and threatened to release sensitive data.
Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB, via its Threat Intelligence platform, confirmed that various threat actor groups have entered the fray in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Amidst this escalating situation, Israel is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly attack by Hamas militants who breached Gaza barriers, resulting in civilian casualties in Israeli towns.
As the conflict intensifies, questions are mounting regarding Israel’s security apparatus, traditionally regarded as one of the world’s most proficient intelligence networks.
