"We Know You": Iranian Cyber-Threats Strike Thousands of Israelis, Breaching Ex-Ministers' Phones

A sophisticated cyber-intimidation campaign has targeted thousands of Israelis, sending chilling SMS messages containing private data such as national ID numbers. The messages, written in English, warned: "This is your last chance to save yourself and your family. We know you." Israel’s National Cyber Directorate identified the campaign as an Iranian psychological warfare tactic aimed at spreading mass panic and social pressure.

Simultaneously, the pro-Iranian hacking group "Handala" claimed responsibility for breaching the smartphone of former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, leaking personal photos and videos. This follows previous claims by the same group involving the hacking of PM Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff and former PM Naftali Bennett. Security officials warn that Tehran is intensifying its digital operations to blackmail citizens or recruit potential informants through cyber-extortion.