Massive Data Breach Hits Israeli Police

The pro-Palestinian hacking group “Handala” has claimed responsibility for breaching the Israeli Police’s data systems, allegedly stealing 2.1 terabytes of sensitive information.

According to the post from FalconFeeds.io, the stolen data reportedly includes personnel records, armory inventories, medical and psychological profiles, legal case files, weapon permits, and identity documents.

The group announced its success on Telegram, claiming to have released 350,000 documents to the public.

This breach is part of a broader wave of cyberattacks targeting Israeli institutions, particularly since the escalation of the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

Handala has been linked to previous attacks on critical infrastructure, including Israel’s Ministry of National Security and other government entities.

Israeli Police Denial and Investigation

Despite the hackers’ claims, the Israeli Police have denied directly penetrating their systems.

In an official statement, they asserted that there is no evidence of unauthorized access to their information systems.

The police suggested that if any breach occurred, it likely involved third-party entities that share data with them.

The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation to determine the extent of the breach and identify vulnerabilities.

Israeli authorities have emphasized their commitment to advanced cybersecurity measures but face increasing challenges as cyberattacks targeting their institutions grow in frequency and sophistication.

Implications and Broader Context

This breach underscores the escalating cyber warfare between pro-Palestinian groups and Israeli entities.

Handala has been at the forefront of these attacks, targeting not only government systems but also civilian infrastructure.

Past incidents include disrupting emergency alert systems in kindergartens and breaching sensitive facilities like the Soreq Nuclear Research Center.

The latest attack raises concerns about national security and public safety in Israel. Experts warn that such breaches could lead to identity theft, misuse of classified information, and further erosion of trust in Israel’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Microsoft’s recent report highlights that Israel has become a primary target for Iranian-linked cyber operations since 2023, with a notable surge during the Gaza conflict.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure amidst geopolitical tensions.

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