Authorities Suspect Cyber Attack Behind False Rocket, Air Raid Sirens in Jerusalem

Authorities Suspect Cyber Attack Behind False Rocket Sirens in Israel

June 22, 2022

2 minute read

Authorities in Israeli cities were alarmed after prolonged siren alerts on Sunday evening and some believe it is the work of Iranian hackers.

False rocket warning sirens were heard in the Israeli cities Jerusalem and Eilat on Sunday evening (June 18th). According to the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), the sirens were triggered by a cyberattack possibly launched by Iranian hackers.

Speculations are rife that Iran is behind the attack, and cybersecurity experts claim that the Iranian government may also be involved.

The sirens were heard across numerous neighborhoods in Jerusalem, including Beit Hakerem and Katamon, and the scenario continued for about an hour. For your information, these sirens are used to alert the public about a rocket attack.

Israeli Government’s Response

As per the Israeli government, it is still premature to ascertain whether Iran has any involvement in this incident. Furthermore, diplomatic sources claim that the attack isn’t as significant as it appears.

Downplaying its significance, the source stated that Israel is frequently the target of cyber activities and that the state has devised “multi-year plans” for developing robust cyber protection in cooperation with other countries.

“The headlines exaggerated about the sirens yesterday,” Israel opines.

According to Israeli media, MK Yair Golan, former IDF deputy chief of staff, says that Israel is well-prepared for Iranian cyber warfare, noting that the incident was indeed “worrying and disturbing” and the breach point must be immediately closed.

Who Was the Target?

According to the INCD, the cities’ municipal siren systems used for addressing the public were the targets of the attack as these were abused for triggering alarms instead of the IDF Home Front Command alert system mainly because the latter system is securer. Concerned authorities have been instructed to implement preventive measures and mitigate any impending threat.

Experts Opinion!

Industrial cybersecurity firm Radiflow’s co-founder and CEO, Ilan Barda, believes it is worrying whether it was an accidental trigger or a false flag. Barda pointed out that it would have made more sense had it occurred during some important event.

“If this was meant to cause disruption to civilian life, it would make more sense to conduct this incident during a religious holiday or time of large gatherings to shatter any sense of security.”
Barda told Hackread.com