The possibility of a cyber-attack on Israel’s strategic infrastructure systems is now evident and highly realistic. Hence, starting today, the NCC (National Cyber Command) and the CTB (Counter Terror Bureau) will be orchestrating Israel’s first official cyber-terror drill in order to improve response effectiveness in the event of a virtual assault.
The drill, referred to as Lights Out, is expected to last several days, and will simulate a cyber-terror attack from multiple sources.
Although strategic systems such as those of the Israeli Electric Company and the Water Authority are highly encrypted and overseen by the Shin Bet security forces, Israel must maintain its edge in all facets of the existential war in which it is now engaged.
The Ministry of Communications will not be participating in the drill, as its personnel lack “the necessary expertise.”
The recent onslaught of cyber-attacks as well as the mysterious shut-down of several government systems in October have prompted a re-gentrification and re-evaluation of Israel’s cyber-defense tactics. The battle is being waged on a new front, and Israel must be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Bernd Pulch 