A suspected cyberattack disrupted the operation of credit card readers across Israeli gas stations and supermarkets on November 10, 2024. The malfunctioning of these systems led to temporary chaos for customers trying to make payments. The attack, which lasted for about an hour, was quickly identified by Hyp Credit Guard, the company responsible for securing the systems. According to a statement released by the company, the disruption was most likely the result of a denial-of-service (DDoS) attack aimed at communication providers rather than a larger-scale cyberattack.
The brief crash affected a significant number of retail establishments across Israel, although the impact was minimized as services were restored swiftly after the attack was blocked. Hyp Credit Guard worked closely with security agencies to address the issue and ensure normal operations resumed promptly. The company reassured the public that the breach was contained, and they were taking steps to strengthen defenses against similar threats in the future.
This attack follows a pattern of increasing cyber activity linked to Iran, targeting Israeli infrastructure. In October 2024, a similar cyberattack disrupted the national credit-based payment system operated by Sheba (Automated Bank Services), causing delays in debit card payment approvals. While this attack did not cause significant market disruption, it raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical national systems to foreign cyber threats.
Israel has long been a target of cyberattacks, and this recent incident highlights the persistent risk of disruptions to everyday systems. The country’s cybersecurity efforts are under intense scrutiny as it faces escalating threats from hostile actors. The latest DDoS attack serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities within Israel’s digital infrastructure, prompting calls for enhanced security measures to protect both public and private sector systems from future cyber threats.
