Israel's National Cyber Directorate (INCD) Chief Yossi Karadi expressed concerns about the potential for a major cyber war fueled by artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Cybertech Conference in Tel Aviv, he warned that critical sectors including energy, transportation, and telecommunications could face severe disruptions due to cyber threats.
In his projections for 2025, Karadi highlighted a worrying escalation in cyber incidents, noting that the INCD responded to over 26,000 serious cases, marking a 55% increase from the previous year. The sectors most affected were the financial industry, government bodies, and digital service providers. Although many attacks were thwarted, some resulted in considerable damage to organizations.
To address these challenges, the proposed Cyber Security Law aims to elevate cybersecurity to a national priority, establishing standards for essential services and mechanisms for incident reporting. Alongside this, a new multi-year strategy focuses on enhancing cloud security, developing Cyber-AI, and preparing for quantum technology challenges. Karadi emphasized the need for collaboration between government and the thriving Israeli cyber industry to strengthen defenses against future cyber threats.