Israel warns citizens of Iranian efforts to entice them abroad after attempt to lure businessman to Dubai

Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel

Illustrative: A cybersecurity expert talks about Iran hacking techniques, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
Illustrative: A cybersecurity expert talks about Iran hacking techniques, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Israel issues a warning to its citizens to be on high alert for increased attempts by Iran to lure them abroad in order to harm or kidnap them.

In a statement, the National Security Council says Iranian forces are targeting Israelis online and trying to convince them to attend meetings abroad at which they will be attacked.

Recently, the NSC says, an Israeli businessman was contacted by someone on Telegram posing as an employee of the Farsi version of the Al Arabiya news outlet and seeking to set up a meeting in Dubai to conduct an interview. After becoming suspicious, the businessman alerted the NSC, which discovered that the contact had infected his cellphone with malware to hack into his phone.

The NSC warns Israelis against sharing information with unknown contacts online and disclosing personal details or travel plans with any potential business or academic partners without verifying their identities. Israelis are urged to be vigilant and to contact the Foreign Ministry or NSC about any suspicious activity.

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