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Two Israeli Billboards were hacked, and pro-Hamas propaganda was briefly displayed.
Cybersecurity expert Gil Messing of Tel Aviv’s Check Point Software Technologies told CNBC that two compromised digital billboards aired “anti-Israeli, pro-Hamas footage” for a few minutes on Thursday.
Messing stated that “the Israeli flag under fire” was seen in the clip, along with “footage from Gaza, things of that nature.” CTV Media Israel CEO Eilon Rosman stated that the hacking incident occurred only minutes after the network was made available.
It was at that precise moment that they must have broken through, Rosman told Geektime, as reported by CNBC. A billboard in Holon City allegedly displayed images of rockets and a burning Israeli flag, according to reports from both Reuters and the news agency itself.
Messing said that while such attacks were unusual, the majority of cyber threats detected by Check Point since Saturday involved temporary website defacements or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
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Cyberattacks Rising in Israel
When comparing the scale of the cyberattacks tracked by the firm, Messing called the Monday breach of a private college’s network by hackers pretending to be from Jordan a “significant attack” because they leaked over 250,000 records of current and former employees, students, and alumni on the messaging app Telegram.
As a result, all computer services at the university had to be turned off. Afterward, representatives from the private university contacted cybersecurity professionals and the National Cyber Authority. An audit revealed that sensitive data had been leaked from their server.
Potential cyberattacks in the country have been monitored by Check Point Security, which reports that “more than 40 groups” are currently engaged in or claim to be engaged in cyberattacks.
According to reports, some of Israel’s most important water management agencies could soon be targets of critical attacks, and the cybersecurity firm has been keeping tabs on hacking groups on the dark web and their Telegram pages.
Volunteer Cybersecurity Services in Israel
The Reuters news agency reported that in response to the numerous cyberattacks and hacktivist activities directed at Israel, cybersecurity experts from Israel have offered their services pro bono to the targeted businesses.
Ohad Zaidenberg, an Israeli IT expert and rumored leader of the volunteer group, reportedly described the Israeli volunteer cyber community as “effective and moving.”
Volunteer group leader Omri Segev Moyal said that members taking vigilante action against Hamas was not acceptable. Moyal is the CEO of the Israeli cybersecurity firm Profero.
Moyal, who oversees a large Facebook community of Israeli cybersecurity experts, conceded that he could see how “people are mad.” But he thought acting on his own would still end up backfiring.
Moyal said that he had already deleted several posts on Facebook inciting cyberattacks against the Palestinian organization. According to him, Profero rejects even hacking activities that could aid in locating missing persons out of concern that they might “cause damage to the victims.”
An increase in hacking incidents has been reported from Israel as a result of the conflict in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Israeli billboard hacking incident has raised questions about the boundaries of digital activism, cybersecurity, and freedom of speech. It has also ignited global discussions about the Israel-Palestine conflict. This event reminds us of the evolving nature of activism and the power of digital platforms to convey messages.
FAQs(Israeli Billboards Hacked to Show Pro-Hamas Messages)
Who is responsible for the Israeli billboard hacking?
The identity of the hacktivist responsible for the Israeli billboard hacking remains unknown.
What were the messages displayed on the hacked billboards?
The hacked billboards displayed pro-Hamas messages and slogans supporting the Palestinian cause.
How has the Israeli government responded to the hacks?
The Israeli government has condemned the hacks and is taking steps to improve digital infrastructure security.
What are the global implications of this incident?
The incident highlights the power of digital activism and the importance of robust cybersecurity on a global scale.
What can be done to prevent future attacks on digital billboards?
Preventing future attacks on digital billboards requires enhanced cybersecurity measures, regular security audits, and collaboration with experts in the field.