Special to WorldTribune.com

JERUSALEM — Israel has asserted that it defeated a massive cyber
attack by pro-Palestinian hackers.

Officials said the government and military blocked an attack that sought
to down key websites on April 7. They said all government ministries as well
as the military coordinated in preparations to repel the hackers, led by the
group Anonymous.

“The recent cyber attack had little effect and damage was minimal due to
timely preparations by the INCB and by all relevant agencies which acted in
concert throughout the attack,” Eviatar Matania, director of the Israel
National Cyber Bureau, said.

A government statement on April 8 said the bureau, established in 2012,
operated a situation room to coordinate efforts to repel the foreign
hackers. The statement said the April 7 cyber attack was similar to that in
November 2012 during the Israel mini-war with Hamas.

“In comparison to Operation Pillar of Defense [November 2012 war], the
damage was minimal,” a statement by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu said.

The hackers sought to deface Israeli websites, acquire data of Israelis
and halt service. The Israeli bureau said Anonymous and other hackers,
despite their claims, failed in their objectives.

Officials said Israel was bracing for additional cyber attacks. They
said coordination throughout Israel was a key element in protecting
infrastructure.

“Cyber attacks on various countries are a routine occurrence in the new
era, and Israel is no different in this regard,” INCB Civilian Division head
Rami Efrati, head of the bureau’s civilian division, said.

  Benjamin Netanyahu, Eviatar Mtania, Israel claims victory over Anonymous in repelling cyber attack, Israel National Cyber Bureau, Operation Pillar of Defense