The Iranian “octopus” continues its relentless attempts to penetrate Israeli cyber defenses. At 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sheba (Automated Bank Services), which operates the national credit-based payment system, faced a denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that impacted system accessibility for entities connected via the internet.
The attack caused delays in approving debit card payments, but Sheba reported that its core role in the national payment system remained intact, preventing widespread market impact. Following swift defensive actions, normal operations resumed by 9:50 a.m.
Sheba is among Israel’s leading payment firms, managing transactions across credit networks and banks nationwide. This essential role underscores the necessity of cybersecurity measures in safeguarding Israel’s daily financial operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in the payments sector and the critical need for enhanced protection.
Growing trend of cyberattacks against Israel
This attack is part of an alarming trend in cyberattacks against Israeli entities. Over the past year, Israel’s financial, energy, and infrastructure sectors have faced numerous cyber threats aimed at critical systems.
DDoS attacks typically overwhelm servers with excessive requests, disrupting access for legitimate users and potentially causing system overload.
Israeli security officials emphasize the ongoing need for heightened vigilance among both commercial and governmental entities. “In today’s era of cyber threats, extensive measures to strengthen defenses are more crucial than ever,” security sources stated.
Just months ago, Israel’s telecommunications sector endured a major cyberattack, leading to temporary service suspensions across various government offices. While Israel has dedicated detection units, targeted attacks require rapid real-time responses and close collaboration with security agencies to minimize public risk.
Sheba has confirmed it is actively reviewing security protocols and will uphold preventative measures to guard against future attacks.