“Taking on the Cyber Threat: Israel’s Race to Safeguard Nuclear Weapons on October 7”
Former Israel National Cyber Directorate chief Yigal Unna warns that “Q-day” in 2025 could lead to hacking of countries’ nuclear weapons programs. Quantum computing advancements may pose risks to online platforms.
“
In 2025, a potential cyber event dubbed “Q-day” could pose a significant threat to countries’ nuclear weapons programs, according to Yigal Unna, former head of the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD). This event hinges on the advancement of quantum computing, which may breach the RSA encryption that secures most online platforms. Unna raised concerns after reports of Chinese hackers breaching a military-grade defense system in late 2024.
Gaby Portnoy, who succeeded Unna as the INCD chief, highlighted the escalating cyber threats, particularly from Iran, capable of targeting not only Israel but also the US, UK, Albania, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. These threats require a proactive approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of resilience, information sharing, and continuous improvement.
At the Cybertech Conference, Portnoy urged preparations for a potential cyber “October 7,” emphasizing the need to enhance cybersecurity across critical infrastructure, supply chains, and small-to-medium businesses. He stressed the importance of not waiting until it’s too late to address cybersecurity challenges.
Nitzan Amar, the Acting INCD chief, reported a 300% surge in cyber attacks by Iran and Hezbollah during the recent conflict but noted Israel’s success in repelling major attacks on its cyber infrastructure. Despite the increased threats, Israeli national infrastructure and military operations remained secure.
The warnings from cybersecurity experts underscore the evolving nature of cyber threats and the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard against potential attacks. As the digital landscape continues to advance, vigilance and preparedness are key to protecting national security and critical infrastructure.
Published on: 2025-03-25 08:26:00 | Author:
