Israel says Iranian hackers behind recent wave of cyberattacks on key institutions

Iranian actors have led a wave of cyberattacks against critical companies and institutions in Israel in recent weeks, the National Cyber Directorate said Wednesday. Among the targets was the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), whose attackers failed in their attempt to disrupt hospital operations.

According to the Directorate, the recent campaign has focused on companies providing IT and digital services to a wide range of Israeli businesses, an approach known as a supply chain attack. More than ten private companies have been targeted so far.

Investigators said that in many of the incidents, the attackers gained access to systems using stolen or leaked usernames and passwords. While most attacks did not cause operational damage, a number resulted in information leaks. The Directorate said the campaign appeared designed to inflict widespread harm but was largely thwarted through cooperation between the targeted companies, the Directorate, the Shin Bet, government ministries, and the IDF.

Officials added that the investigation into the Yom Kippur cyberattack against the Shamir Medical Center confirmed it was carried out by Iranian groups. Although the attackers managed to steal some data, the intrusion was detected and contained early, preventing disruption to medical services.

“Thanks to rapid information sharing, effective cooperation, and a focused response, the incidents were contained quickly and efficiently, preventing broader damage to the Israeli economy,” said Yossi Karadi, head of the National Cyber Directorate. “In the case of Shamir Hospital, the very attempt to harm a medical institution crosses a red line, one that could have endangered human life.”

“Thanks to rapid information sharing, effective cooperation, and a focused response, the incidents were contained quickly and efficiently, preventing broader damage to the Israeli economy,” said Yossi Karadi, head of the National Cyber Directorate. “In the case of Shamir Hospital, the very attempt to harm a medical institution crosses a red line, one that could have endangered human life.”