Shin Bet says it foiled 85 Iranian cyberattacks, including phishing attempts posing as Israeli official

The Shin Bet announces that it has thwarted 85 Iranian cyberattacks since the beginning of 2025, aimed at high-profile Israeli civilians, including security officials, politicians, academics and journalists.

The cyber campaigns, largely phishing attempts, sought to gain access to victims’ digital devices and accounts to collect sensitive personal information.

According to the Shin Bet, Iran’s goal is to use this intelligence to carry out targeted attacks within Israel, possibly through locally recruited operatives. The phishing attempts often came via email, WhatsApp or Telegram, using fake Google Meet links or disguised apps to steal credentials and install spyware.

A security official says that while these attacks are sophisticated, they are preventable.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and cautious, as these cyberattacks can be prevented before they occur through awareness, caution, skepticism and responsible online behavior,” the official says, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unfamiliar links.

In one case, an Iranian operative posed as Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs in an attempt to lure an Israeli citizen. However, the individual’s vigilance and quick report to security authorities thwarted the attack before any damage was done, the Shin Bet says.