Cyberattacks and Fraud Attempts Surge Ahead of Israeli Elections

Cybersecurity firm Check Point is monitoring a significant increase in cyberattacks and influence operations targeting Israel in the lead-up to the elections. These attacks aim to spread disinformation, conduct phishing campaigns to steal sensitive information, and undermine public trust in the democratic process. On election day itself, the primary threat shifts to direct technological disruptions, such as denial-of-service attacks designed to disable voter registration systems, polling station management apps, or real-time results websites.

In the past two months, over a thousand new websites related to the elections have been created, with dozens suspected of malicious intent, including those designed to steal identity information. Check Point data indicates that one in every 47 election-related websites is suspicious. The company also reported a rise in cyberattacks against Israel and its government sector. In the first weeks of October, Israeli organizations experienced an average of 2,700 weekly cyberattacks, a 55% increase from the previous year. The government sector saw approximately 2,300 weekly attacks, an 82% rise, with the energy and infrastructure sector experiencing the sharpest increase at 107%.

Sivan Dror, Director of Research at Exposure Management at Check Point, stated that the period surrounding elections is critical for threat actors to exploit public attention. She advised organizations to ensure their official websites and accounts are protected and to prepare for rapid responses. The public is urged to rely on official election channels, avoid sharing personal details via links in messages requesting updates, and verify information before sharing.

Check Point has verified around 87 cyberattacks against Israel since the beginning of October, many aimed at disabling or defacing Israeli websites. The past ten days have also seen a marked increase in public activity by anti-Israeli attack groups, who are publishing materials allegedly obtained through cyberattacks, including information on public figures, IDF bases, and public representatives. Discourse among attack groups on the dark web concerning the Israeli elections has also risen by 110% this month compared to September.

Examples of past leaks include a database of 6.5 million Israeli voter records offered for sale and the details of 38,000 soldiers and police officers, which had previously leaked. Check Point provided recommendations for organizations and the public to prepare for disruptions and identify fraud, emphasizing verification through official sources, caution with suspicious links, and avoiding the sharing of passwords or verification codes.