Hacktivism or Cyber Warfare? Decoding the Motivations Behind Cyber Attacks Targeting Israel

Hacktivism or Cyber Warfare? Decoding the Motivations Behind Cyber Attacks Targeting Israel

연구 분야: Strategies

학회: International Conference on Advancements in Smart Computing and Information Security

The realm of cybersecurity is increasingly fraught with sophisticated threats, with cyber attacks targeting nations often shrouded in ambiguity regarding their underlying motivations. This study delves into the intricate landscape of cyber assaults directed at Israel, aiming to disentangle the complex web of motives driving such attacks. Through an extensive analysis of diverse cyber incidents and the examination of associated ideological, political, and strategic underpinnings, this research endeavors to delineate between hacktivist endeavors and manifestations of cyber warfare. By scrutinizing the historical context, tactics, and messaging deployed by threat actors, this study seeks to offer clarity on the underlying intentions behind cyber operations directed at Israel. The results of the study indicate that the conflict between Palestine and Israel has led to a cyber warfare landscape involving other nations and various hacktivists from different countries supporting both sides. Israel's cybersecurity weaknesses have allowed various hackers and hacktivists to exploit opportunities with motives such as political, economic, business, ideological interests, self beliefs. In response, Israel established the National Cyber Directorate, responsible for cybersecurity policy, security, and capacity development for the government, public, and private sectors, to prevent and mitigate threats to critical infrastructure and manage cyber incidents. Additionally, Israel engages in cybersecurity cooperation with various countries to combat cyber terrorism.