Cyber Firm Warns of Election-Related Scams and Attacks

Cybersecurity firm Check Point is alerting the public to potential scams and cyberattacks targeting Israelis ahead of upcoming elections. Researchers have identified a phishing scheme that impersonates a "voter information service," aiming to trick citizens into revealing personal details through fraudulent websites. These sites, often registered with terms like "elections" or "voter information," are not necessarily official. Between September and October, over 1,200 internet addresses related to the elections were registered, with one in every 47 flagged as suspicious.

Check Point researchers also warn of preparations by hacking groups to disrupt online services on election day. Their monitoring indicates discussions among attack groups about potentially taking down major websites, including those of the Knesset, police, and the Bank of Israel. While these plans have been identified, there is no indication that these sites have already been compromised.

The company noted an 110% increase in discussions about the Israeli elections on the dark web from September to October. Check Point advises the public to verify voting location and time updates through official channels only and to avoid clicking links in suspicious messages. They also recommend refraining from sharing passwords, verification codes, or payment details in response to unsolicited requests, emphasizing that even widely shared messages should be independently verified with official election sources.