Israel’s Shin Bet and the National Cyber Directorate have disclosed a sharp increase in Iranian cyber attempts targeting Israeli citizens, primarily senior public figures. Over the past months, 85 separate cyberattacks have been thwarted.
According to the report, Iran-linked operatives are using phishing techniques to gain unauthorized access to email accounts, computers, and smartphones of Israeli individuals. Targets include top figures in the defense establishment, political system, academia, media, and journalism.
The main goal of these attacks is to collect personal data—such as home addresses, personal connections, and regular locations. The intelligence gathered is intended to help Iranian operatives plan physical attacks inside Israel, possibly using Israeli-based cells they have recruited.
The attempted infiltrations typically occur via platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or email, with each approach tailored specifically to the victim’s professional background to avoid suspicion.