IDF cyber-defense control center goes online
02/13/2013 03:04
After two years of planning, IDF introduce its control center into service after a dramatic rise in scope of attacks.
An officer speaks on the phone at the new IDF cyber-defense control center. Photo: IDF Spokesman’s Office
After two years of planning, the IDF introduced its cyber-defense control center
into service in recent days. The development comes as senior army sources
involved in cyber-defenses reported a dramatic rise in the capabilities and
scope of attacks on the IDF’s digital infrastructure, ranging from state actors
to amateur hackers.
“Few countries have this kind of [defense] ability,”
one source said on Tuesday. “This is a part of the IDF’s readiness to ensure
continuity of conventional operations. This continuity is based on
cybersecurity.”
The control center will be staffed by 20 soldiers, and
will enable the army to monitor all attempted virtual attacks. It will stay in
close touch with the government’s cyber-defense system, called Tehila (the
Hebrew acronym for “Government Infrastructure in the Internet Era”).
The
center will also be in touch with the Shin Bet’s (Israel Security Agency’s)
Information Security Authority, which is responsible for securing the nation’s
energy infrastructure, financial markets, communications networks and
transportation sector against hostile cyber-attacks.
“This is a nerve
center for defense. It has impressive command capabilities,” the source
said.
“It will be operational 24/7,” he added. “The world of attacks is
changing rapidly.”
He conceded that 20 soldiers are insufficient in light
of the threats, but said more soldiers were being trained to join the
center.
The training involves a unique simulator that enables recruits to
train in fending off cyber-attacks.
“It’s like a flight simulator, and to
my knowledge, it is the first of its kind in the world,” the source said. “There
has been an increase in the number of cyber-attacks.
“In this world, time
has no significance – an attack can be launched immediately – and neither does
distance. The attacker can be anywhere,” the source said.
“Two years ago,
even my most pessimistic evaluations didn’t lead me to believe we’d be facing
the challenges we’re seeing today,” the source continued.
“Our enemies
are not stupid. They’re determined, and want to cause harm wherever they
can.”