Shin Bet Foils Dozens of Iranian Cyberattacks Targeting Israeli Officials and Citizens

The Shin Bet revealed Thursday that it successfully intercepted 85 cyberattacks originating from Iran since the start of 2025. These operations primarily targeted prominent Israeli figures, including government officials, academics, journalists, and members of the security establishment.

These cyber offensives were largely based on phishing tactics designed to infiltrate the targets’ personal devices and online accounts. The attackers aimed to extract sensitive data that could potentially be used for further assaults within Israel.

According to the Shin Bet, Iran’s broader objective is to leverage the information gathered through these campaigns to launch precise attacks on Israeli soil. The intelligence agency noted that many of these phishing efforts were disguised as emails or messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, often featuring fake Google Meet invitations or seemingly benign apps intended to steal login information and install surveillance tools.

A security source who spoke with the Times of Israel emphasized that although these cyber operations are advanced, they can be averted.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and cautious, as these cyberattacks can be prevented before they occur through awareness, caution, skepticism and responsible online behavior,” the official said, highlighting the importance of steering clear of suspicious links.

In one specific incident, an Iranian agent attempted to impersonate Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs in a ploy to deceive an Israeli citizen. However, the person’s alertness and prompt report to security services helped foil the plan before any harm could occur, the Shin Bet reported.