Former Hamat Security Manager Charged with Hundreds of Cyber Offenses

A former information security manager at the Hamat Group, Mickey Bar, has been indicted on charges of hundreds of cyber offenses, allegedly causing NIS 1.5 million in damages to 26 companies and two kibbutzim between 2019 and 2026. According to the state, Bar developed malicious software, including Windows and Wesearch malware, using artificial intelligence to infiltrate computers, control them, and steal sensitive information. The malware enabled data collection, real-time keystroke logging, user activity monitoring, and the ability to spread across organizational systems, damage defense systems, alter operating systems, and search for crypto wallets.

Bar allegedly used the malware to hack into the computers of companies including Solgreen, RBS, Hamat, Atidim Association, Gindi, FBS Technologies, Blue Square Real Estate, and Yad2, as well as Kibbutz Gazit and Kibbutz Kfar Menachem. The state claims his primary motive was to spy on women, including minors, in their homes, documenting their activities and sometimes capturing intimate moments. He is accused of hundreds of offenses, including illegal software operations, computer intrusion, virus insertion, privacy violations, theft, and illegal software actions.

Following an inquiry by the National Cyber Directorate in April, which suspected Hamat was among the targets without knowing Bar was responsible, Bar allegedly developed the more sophisticated Wesearch malware. The state is seeking to detain Bar until the end of proceedings, citing evidence such as the malware found on his computer, links to servers he used, thousands of stolen files, victim testimonies, and Bar's own confessions to many of the charges.

The Hamat Group stated that the accusations pertain to the employee's private activities and have no connection to the group's operations. Bar reportedly admitted to most of the charges against him.