Israel Election Security Alert: Phishing Scams Target Voters
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Cybersecurity firm Check Point warns of phishing scams targeting Israeli voters ahead of elections, using fake voter information services to steal personal data. Over 1,200 election-related domains were registered, with many suspected of malicious use. Hackers are also planning denial-of-service attacks on official websites. Discussions about elections on the darknet have increased by 110% since September.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Check Point warns of phishing scams targeting Israeli voters with fake election information services.
- Over 1,200 election-related internet domains were registered, with many suspected of malicious use.
- Attackers aim to collect personal data and disrupt online services during the election period.
- Hacker groups are planning denial-of-service attacks on major Israeli websites, including the Knesset.
- Darknet discussions about Israeli elections surged 110% in October compared to September.
Cybersecurity firm Check Point has issued a warning about a surge in phishing scams targeting Israeli voters ahead of parliamentary elections. These fraudulent messages are disguised as official voter information services, aiming to collect personal data from citizens. The attackers are exploiting the heightened public interest in the elections to mislead people and disrupt online services.
Check Point reported that between September and October, over 1,200 internet domains related to Israeli elections were registered, with one in every 47 suspected of malicious intent. The company stressed that website names containing "election" or "voter information" do not automatically indicate affiliation with the Central Elections Committee or any official body. The phishing technique relies on deceptive appearances, where messages or sites mimic trusted sources to trick users into divulging sensitive information.
To counter these threats, Check Point advises citizens to verify details about polling stations, voting times, and eligibility through official channels. They recommend directly accessing official websites rather than clicking links in suspicious messages. Researchers also noted preparations for denial-of-service attacks aimed at disrupting website accessibility on election day, with hacker groups discussing potential disruptions to major sites including the Knesset, police, and Bank of Israel. These are described as detected plans and discussions, not successful attacks.
Check Point's monitoring revealed a 110% increase in darknet discussions about Israeli elections in October compared to September. The company's findings are based on a combination of cyberattack data and monitoring of hacker groups on various online platforms. They urge the public not to share passwords, verification codes, or payment details in response to suspicious requests, emphasizing that message popularity or forwarding does not guarantee authenticity. Any notifications regarding changes to polling locations or times should be confirmed directly with the election commission.
