An Iranian hacker group known as Handala has made a startling claim about breaching the Soreq Nuclear Research Center in Israel.
On September 30, 2024, the group announced they had stolen 197 gigabytes of sensitive data.
This incident raises serious concerns about cybersecurity in critical infrastructures in Israel.
Handala is believed to be linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The timing of the attack is significant, as it comes shortly after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
This suggests that the cyberattack may have been intended as retaliation for that event.
While Handala claims to have successfully hacked the Soreq center, evidence is still lacking.
The group is known for sometimes recycling old data to support its claims.
For instance, they previously claimed to have stolen personal images and communications from high-ranking Israeli officials but provided little proof.
Despite this, their past activities lend credibility to their claims.
Handala has a history of cyberattacks targeting various Israeli entities.
Three months ago, they successfully attacked Sheba Medical Center, stealing data from a biotechnology company associated with it.
The group aims to create psychological pressure and anxiety among the public, which is a common tactic in modern cyber warfare.
This strategy is reminiscent of methods used by countries like Russia, known for their cyber tactics.
The Soreq Nuclear Research Center plays a vital role in Israeli scientific research.
Founded in 1958 with support from the U.S., it serves civilian and academic sectors.
Research conducted there includes food safety, nuclear testing, and pollution detection.
Although not involved in defence activities, its work is crucial for Israel’s scientific advancement.
Until verifiable evidence of the breach is released, the claims by Handala should be treated with caution.
Israeli authorities have prioritized the security of such critical infrastructures.
The possibility of it being an empty boast cannot be overlooked.
However, the group’s track record means the threat must be taken seriously.
The Prime Minister’s Office has acknowledged the incident, stating, “The incident is known and under investigation.”
They also emphasised that the Soreq Nuclear Research Center follows the highest level of information security protocols.
