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'There is no ceasefire in cyberspace': Ex-8200 officer on Israel's invisible war with Iran

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • A former Israeli intelligence officer states that while physical attacks may cease, cyber warfare, particularly from Iran, continues relentlessly.
  • Iranian cyberattacks against Israel reportedly tripled during a recent conflict, with millions of background attacks occurring alongside thousands of significant ones.
  • These cyber threats target critical infrastructure, including water supply, power grids, and healthcare systems, with AI increasingly used as a malicious tool.

The cessation of physical conflict does not signal an end to hostilities, according to Julia Kogan Ehrlich, a cybersecurity executive and former officer in the IDF's Unit 8200. "The ceasefire is only for communication. There is no ceasefire in cybersecurity," she stated. "The fire is maybe in a byte and not in a missile." While the physical world may seem secure, critical infrastructure remains under constant cyberattack, often unnoticed by the public.

The ceasefire is only for communication. There is no ceasefire in cybersecurity.

— Julia Kogan EhrlichExplaining that cyber warfare continues even when physical conflict ends.

Kogan Ehrlich's comments follow disclosures by the head of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, who reported that Iranian cyberattacks on Israel roughly tripled during a recent war, reaching approximately 4,800 significant attacks. She emphasized that this number represents only serious incidents, with background "noise" running into the millions. "The world just twisted from the kinetic and moved to a different vector of war," she observed, noting that the public is largely unaware of the continuous efforts to protect Israeli infrastructure.

The fire is maybe in a byte and not in a missile.

— Julia Kogan EhrlichIllustrating the nature of ongoing cyberattacks.

She estimated that "ninety-eight percent of the attacks, people are not even aware of," as they are defended against behind closed doors. These attacks pose a severe risk to critical infrastructure, including water supply systems, power grids, air traffic control, and healthcare organizations. Kogan Ehrlich confirmed that the potential consequences are severe, ranging from poisoned water to downed electricity and compromised national databases. She stressed that there is no single solution, and defense relies on multiple layers and constant vigilance, including training personnel to recognize and avoid cyber threats.

Our physical world may not be jeopardized, but our infrastructure is constantly under attack.

— Julia Kogan EhrlichHighlighting the persistent threat to infrastructure.

Furthermore, Kogan Ehrlich highlighted the evolving threat landscape with the rise of artificial intelligence. AI, once a helpful tool, is now capable of completing complex tasks and analyzing information for malicious purposes. This advancement lowers the barrier for sophisticated cyberattacks, making the digital battlefield increasingly dangerous.

The world just twisted from the kinetic and moved to a different vector of war.

— Julia Kogan EhrlichDescribing the shift towards cyber warfare.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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