Israel warns of cyberattacks that could bring down fighter jets

Prime Minister Netanyahu has called on governments around the world to join forces to defend against the threat of cyber attacks. Photo: AP

Speaking at a cyber conference at Tel Aviv University, Netanyahu said that cybersecurity is also seen as a huge business opportunity, noting that Israel receives about 20% of global investment in the field.

“We cannot go back to the world of levers, pulleys and letters,” the Israeli leader said. “Since we have moved forward, we are certainly vulnerable. Our airlines can be taken down, our fighter jets can be shot down.” While Israel monitored attacks on its cybersecurity center in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, Netanyahu said “there is no cure.”

“This is the most important test for our civilization. It is not only tested by criminal organizations, terrorists, but also by other countries. We need to combine forces,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

Israeli Prime Minister simulates a cyber attack. Photo: AP

The Beersheba Center brings together military, academic and business, so this is a risk related to Israeli military applications.

In the conference room, the lights went on and a sound was heard, simulating a cyber attack, claiming that the hackers were “located in a country not far from Israel,” referring to “arch-enemy” Iran.

According to this audio, the conference participants' bank accounts were frozen and their information was shared with their enemies.