Iranian Cyberattacks Against Israel Surge Dramatically Since 2026 Conflict

Since the outbreak of war with Iran in 2026, there has been a significant increase in Iranian cyberattacks targeting Israel, according to Yossi Karadi, head of Israel's National Cyber Directorate, in an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt. These attacks have frequently resulted in the deletion of data repositories. Iran employs experts from its security forces and Revolutionary Guards, as well as skilled digital activists and criminal groups, some operating abroad.

Karadi highlighted that during Operation "With a Dog" there were about 1,600 hostile cyber incidents, which surged to approximately 4,800 during Operation "Roar of the Lion" a year later. The cyberattacks have targeted Israel's critical infrastructure, key organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the general public. Karadi stated, "So far, and hopefully it will remain so, we have managed to repel attacks on critical infrastructure."

To achieve these defensive successes, Iran shifted focus to easier targets in later waves, increasingly attacking law firms, accounting companies, and smaller businesses in Israel. Karadi emphasized the high skill level of some groups, noting, "We can handle them, but we must take them seriously. Unlike kinetic warfare, there is no ceasefire in this domain."