Tue Oct 01 17:56:57 UTC 2024: ## Iran-Linked Hackers Target Israel with Malware and Disinformation
**TEL AVIV, ISRAEL** – A pro-Palestinian cyber threat group known as Handala, suspected to have ties to Iran, has been actively targeting Israeli interests in 2024, according to cybersecurity researchers. Handala’s activities have ranged from website defacement to alleged breaches of critical infrastructure.
The group has claimed responsibility for hacking Israeli politicians and the Soreq Nuclear Research Center. While some claims, like the discovery of a backdoor in Vidisco security scanners, remain unconfirmed, researchers have verified that a breach of Vidisco did occur, resulting in data exfiltration.
Handala’s past activities and their writing style suggest a connection to the Iranian government. The group has also reportedly been linked to “Anonymous For Justice”, another cyber group known for pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel operations.
This escalation of cyberattacks comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as growing concerns about foreign interference in the upcoming US presidential election. While US authorities maintain that election infrastructure is secure, the threat of disinformation remains a significant concern.
This latest incident underscores the increasing role of cyberwarfare in international relations and the growing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and national security.
First Piper 