The Battlefield: Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has become an integral part of modern military operations. The IDF relies heavily on cloud-based systems from troop management to logistics, communication, and intelligence gathering. These systems allow for flexibility, scalability, and efficient resource allocation.
However, they also make attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, or compromise critical infrastructure.
The Israel Defense Forces' cloud computing network has been subjected to almost three billion cyber attacks since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, according to the officer in charge of the military's computer section. However, all of the attacks were detected and did not do any damage.
Col. Racheli Dembinsky, chief of the IDF's Center of Computing and Information Systems (Mamram), made the discovery on Wednesday during the "IT for IDF" conference in Rishon Lezion.
According to Dembinsky, the attacks targeted operational cloud computing, which is used by numerous systems that serve troops on the ground during conflict to communicate information and forces' whereabouts.
The Scale of the Threat
Three billion attacks may sound staggering, and indeed it is. These attacks targeted operational cloud computing resources used by troops on the ground during combat. Imagine the strain on the network as thousands of soldiers accessed critical data simultaneously while under fire. Despite this immense pressure, Mamram’s cybersecurity experts managed to fend off every attempt.
Dembinsky did not specify the types of assaults or the level of danger they posed, but she did state that they were all blocked and that no systems were penetrated at any time.
Mamram, the IDF's central computing system unit, is responsible for the infrastructure and defense of the military's remote servers.
Hamas terrorists stormed Israel on October 7, killing over 1,200 people, the majority of them were civilians, and capturing 251. It has also been stated that cyberattacks were launched against Israel on October 7. Dembinsky corroborated this.
The Human Element
While technology played a crucial role, the expertise and dedication of Mamram’s personnel truly made a difference. These cyber warriors worked tirelessly, analyzing attack vectors, identifying vulnerabilities, and devising countermeasures. Their commitment to safeguarding Israel’s digital infrastructure was unwavering.
Since the start of the war, certain cyberattacks have been effective against Israeli civilian computer systems. Iranian-backed hackers targeted the Israel State Archives in November, and it was only recently restored to service. Hackers also successfully targeted the computer systems of the city of Modiin Illit.
The Defense Strategy
Last month, Israel's cyber defense chief, Gaby Portnoy, stated that Iran's cyber attacks have become more active since the commencement of the war, not only against Israel but also against its allies.
