Iran-linked cyberattacks against Israel surged sharply in 2026, according to Israel’s cyber chief, highlighting how the conflict between the two countries is increasingly playing out through digital systems, propaganda networks and attacks on businesses as well as critical infrastructure.
Iranian cyberattacks against Israel shot up after the launch of the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran this year, citing comments from Yossi Karadi, director general of Israel’s National Cyber Directorate.
Cyber Incidents Jump From 1,600 to 4,800
The increase was dramatic.
Reuters reported that Karadi told German newspaper Die Welt that Israeli authorities registered around 1,600 hostile cyber incidents in June 2025 during Israeli military operations against Iran. Karadi said that the number jumped to about 4,800 incidents during the same month in 2026.
Critical Infrastructure Has So Far Been Defended
Karadi said the attacks targeted a wide range of Israeli systems. The attacks were directed against systems used by Israel’s critical infrastructure, central organizations, small and medium-sized companies and the public.
Karadi said Israel had managed to protect its most sensitive systems so far.
The Times of Israel shared that Israel had managed to fend off attacks on critical infrastructure.
But less protected companies were reportedly hit harder. Companies easier to penetrate often ended up having their computer systems wiped, according to Karadi, who did not name affected firms.
Iran’s Cyber Network Described as Multi-Layered
The Times of Israel reported that Karadi identified the Iranian cyber warfare apparatus as a “multi-layered system”. Karadi described the system as having the Iranian military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at its core, with civilians and activists below that level who hack out of conviction or are paid to do so.
Karadi also linked propaganda to the cyber conflict. The Times of Israel reported that he identified Iran’s digital propaganda, including popular Lego-style AI animation videos, as part of the cyber war waged by the IRGC and its activists.
“No Ceasefire in Cyberspace”
Karadi warned that even if conventional fighting slows, cyber operations may continue. Karadi said that, “Some groups are very skilled,” and adding, “Unlike in the kinetic realm, there’s no ceasefire in cyberspace”. Karadi shared that Israel can handle the attacks but must take them seriously because there is “no ceasefire in cyberspace”.
The broader numbers show why Israel is treating the issue as a long-term national security challenge. Karadi disclosed in January that the Cyber Directorate handled more than 26,000 cyberattacks in 2025, a 55 percent increase over 2024. Microsoft’s latest data ranked Israel as the third-most-attacked country in the world, with 3.5% of all global cyberattacks directed at the country over the past year.
Israel Plans Cyber, AI and Quantum Defenses
Karadi said Israel is preparing for the next phase of digital conflict. Karadi is building a multi-year plan focused on cloud security, cyber and AI, and quantum computing, which he said he aims to make operational by 2030.
Iran typically denies carrying out hacking campaigns abroad. Iran usually denies hacking campaigns against other countries while reporting attacks on itself.
The surge in attacks shows that the Israel-Iran conflict is no longer limited to missiles, airstrikes or military targets. It now includes cyber intrusions, data destruction, infrastructure defense and online propaganda, making the digital front one of the most persistent battlegrounds even when physical fighting pauses.
