US Jewish institutions told to guard against cyberattacks

The security arm of the American Jewish community urged Jewish organizations to review cyber security measures after a number of attacks.

“Earlier today, SCN was contacted by the leadership of several Jewish institutions from around North America with information concerning their websites being taken down in cyberattacks,” Secure Community Network said in a communiqué to Jewish organizations.

“At this time, these attacks appear to be isolated to a few institutions, however out of an abundance of caution, SCN suggests all organizations review” US government federal security recommendations “and contact law enforcement in the event your website is compromised.”

Paul Goldenberg, SCN’s director, told JTA that cyber attackers were shifting their focus from attacking only Israeli institutions to attacks on Jewish institutions.

“it’s time for Jewish institutions to take a close look at their technology, how they communicate and how they present themselves on the Internet,” Goldenberg said. “They need to assess technologies ASAP.”

SCN is affiliated with the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.