A cyberattack on Tuesday morning caused significant disruptions for businesses in Israel regarding credit card payments, according to reports from Shva (Automatic Bank Services). The attack, classified as a denial-of-service incident, began around 7 a.m. and impacted the processing of transactions for several hours. Shva, which is the largest provider of communication and IT services to Israel’s banking sector, confirmed that normal service was restored by approximately 9:50 a.m., alleviating the issues faced by connected entities.
The denial-of-service attack specifically hindered the transmission of transactions related to credit card approvals, disrupting the operations of various businesses relying on Shva’s services. The company, serving as the leading clearing house for credit card transactions in Israel, did not disclose the identity of the attackers. However, sources like the Hebrew-language Bizportal suggested that the cyber group “Anonymous Sudan,” known for its connections to Iranian actors and prior cyberattacks on Israel, could be behind the incident.
Gil Shwed, the outgoing CEO of cybersecurity firm Check Point, highlighted the alarming frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting Israel. He noted that the country faces over 2,300 attacks per week, which represents a staggering 100% increase compared to the previous year. Shwed indicated that these attacks stem from various hostile entities, including criminal organizations and Iranian operatives, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in light of the rising threat landscape.
This incident is not isolated, as it follows previous reports of fraudulent charges affecting Visa Cal credit card holders due to a malfunction at Shva in July. The ongoing cyber threats underscore the vulnerability of financial systems in Israel and the broader implications for businesses relying on secure payment processing. As the situation evolves, both Shva and the wider financial sector in Israel are likely to increase their focus on security protocols to safeguard against future attacks and ensure the reliability of their services.
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