Within the past several months, the intersection between cybersecurity and geopolitical conflicts has become increasingly evident as the conflict in Israel and Palestine rages on. The longstanding conflict in the Middle East has now transcended traditional battlefields and cybersecurity has been emerging as a critical arena for strategic engagement.
Israel has long been recognized for their skillful and masterfully trained military, but one aspect of Israeli defense that often goes unnoticed is the work conducted by The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Unit 8200; a clandestine organization within the Israeli military responsible for intelligence, counterintelligence, cyberwarfare, and surveillance. On the other side of the coin, Palestine also has a very heavy intelligence-driven military unit in the Palestinian Security Services (PSS), however a notable amount of cyber support for their cause comes in the form of hacktivists, both domestic and foreign.
Over the past several years and even since the October 2023 uptick in violent activity surrounding the Gaza strip, the threat landscape in the Middle East has evolved dramatically, with state and non-state actors leveraging sophisticated tools to advance their interests. In the context of Israel, the nation faces a diverse range of cyber threats from various entities seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and gain an upper hand in the ongoing conflict. Palestine on the other hand faces an ongoing battle with one of the world’s most adept cyber militaries. Factoring in the cyber activities of individuals, groups, and governments not directly tied to the conflict, and the 1’s and 0’s of war get even more complex.
Several nation-states hostile to Israel have developed advanced cyber capabilities, enabling them to launch sophisticated attacks on critical infrastructure, government institutions, and military networks. Iran for instance, has been accused of conducting cyber operations against Israel, utilizing a combination of state-sponsored hacking groups and proxy actors. Hackers loyal to the Palestinian cause have also been engaging in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against Israeli infrastructure and military organizations in an effort to slow their progress in the conflict (1).
General tactics for both anti-Israeli and anti-Palestinian hacking efforts have included espionage, data manipulation, and attempts to disrupt essential services. These cyber-attacks not only pose a threat to national security but also have the potential to impact civilian life, highlighting the critical interconnection between cyberspace and everyday activities.
In addition to state-sponsored threats, both sides of the conflict face challenges from non-state actors and hacktivist groups sympathetic to their respective causes (2). These entities often exploit cyberspace to amplify their messages, deface websites, and conduct disruptive attacks, such as DDoS. Additionally, the generation of fake news, AI-generated deepfakes, propaganda, and falsified records is also a notable concern as it relates to the conflict. The use of cyberspace as a tool for propaganda and psychological warfare has become increasingly prevalent, shaping public perception, and influencing narratives surrounding the war. The swaying of public opinion drastically impacts the progression of the conflict and significantly alters government, military, and civilian morale.
Another aspect of the conflict that is often overlooked by cyber experts is the overall influence of private sector hacks on non-conflict-related agencies and organizations. For instance, hacks against computer companies, automobile manufacturers, the supply chain, and even social media platforms can have ripple affects throughout both sides of the ongoing war. When there are interruptions to normal operations, there will inevitably be impacts to military operations, and as such, hacks that are non-militant in nature, still have significant military implications.
On the surface, Palestine does not appear to be as heavily focused on fortifying their cybersecurity capabilities as Israel is, however strides have been made in their ability to resist Israeli cyber-attacks. This is both an impressive and momentous victory for Palestine, as they are squaring up against one of the most powerful cyber forces in the area. It is worth noting that many of the Palestinian efforts to secure their digital landscape are not advertised globally, and as such, many experts are left to speculate on the steps being taken to build their defenses.
Contra to the Palestinian approach to cybersecurity, Israel has recognized the need to invest more into their robust cybersecurity measures and the nation has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, involving collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, and academic institutions to kickstart this advancement. The Israeli government has also funneled the equivalent of millions of dollars into their cyber infrastructure and domestic technology companies to attempt to maintain their place at the forefront of cyber excellence and to sway the outcome of the conflict in their direction (3).
Aside from Israel’s investment into cyber and technology, the IDF has also established dedicated cyber units to protect critical infrastructure and military networks. These units are tasked with monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats in real-time. In addition to this, Israel has also taken steps to protect their cyberspace and infrastructure by fostering international cooperation. Recognizing the global nature of cyber threats, Israel regularly engages in information sharing and co-development of solutions with their allies, leveraging the capabilities and resources of non-combative countries and nation-states. Cross-border collaboration is essential for effectively countering cyber threats that transcend geographic boundaries.
While Israel has made significant strides in bolstering its cybersecurity posture, challenges persist. The evolving nature of cyber threats requires continuous adaptation and investment in cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the interconnectedness of global cyberspace demands increased international collaboration to address the root causes of cyber-driven aggression as well as to combat private-sector hacking that has and will continue to negatively influence the outcome of the conflict in the Middle East.
The impact of cybersecurity on the ongoing conflict is profound, reshaping the nature of warfare in the 21st century. As the nations navigate the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East as well as the ever-changing IT and cyber characteristics of warfare, investing in cybersecurity measures is not just a matter of national interest but a necessity for safeguarding the security and well-being of its citizens. The ongoing evolution of cyberspace as a theater of conflict underscores the need for constant vigilance, innovation, and growth.
*The views expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of any government, organization, or political entity. SecurityInsecurity strives to present an objective and fact-driven analysis of the subject matter without endorsing or aligning with any specific side involved in the conflict discussed. The information provided in this article is based on the best available facts and sources at the time of writing.
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/world/middleeast/iran-israel-cyberattacks.html
3. https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/cybersecurity/israel
Very interesting. I think the regular Joe tends to forget how much is going on under the surface in a modern war.