A cyberattack targeted the irrigation systems operated by the Galil Sewage Corporation in the Jordan Valley, blocking several controllers. The systems monitor the irrigation process and wastewater treatment, and the source of the attack is still unknown.
At the same time, company experts worked tirelessly to restore operations, but local authorities had warned of the risks of a cyber attack and had advised farmers in the region to disconnect their irrigation systems from the internet and switch to manual operation.
Furthermore, the National Cyber Organization had previously warned of the risks of cyber attacks during the month of Ramadan, as anti-Israeli hackers could target the country’s national infrastructure. Private and government organizations in Israel had already been hit by massive cyber attacks as part of the #OPIsrael campaign, launched by hacktivists against the country’s critical infrastructure.
Additionally, Ariel Stern, a former Israeli Air Force captain, warned in November 2022 that the US and Israel were unprepared to defeat a cyber attack against the water sector, which could be orchestrated by enemy states such as Iran. Stern issued his warning after a ransomware attack in August disrupted the IT operations of South Staffordshire Water, a UK company that supplies drinking water to 1.6 million consumers daily.
He highlighted the dangers for providers of critical infrastructure, as nations like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China have the capability to target the water sector with devastating consequences.
In conclusion, cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as water supply systems pose a significant threat to national security. As seen in the case of the Galil Sewage Corporation in Israel, the effects of such attacks can be detrimental to the smooth operation of essential services.
Stern’s warning highlights the need for greater preparedness to face such threats, and organizations must take proactive measures to secure their systems against cyber attacks.
