How Israel's energy sector is preparing for a large-scale cyber attack

The Cyber Unit of the Ministry of Energy conducted a large-scale tabletop exercise to test the energy sector's readiness for a cyber attack. About 100 representatives and managers from energy bodies participated, focusing on managing technological, operational, and administrative aspects while maintaining functional continuity of energy infrastructure.

The Cyber Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure conducted a large-scale tabletop exercise, with the participation of about 100 representatives and managers from energy sector bodies. The exercise aimed to test the response to a large-scale cyber attack and the sector's emergency preparedness. Participants dealt with an evolving scenario of a cyber attack that escalated into a national cyber crisis, requiring real-time response, impact assessment, and management of complex technological, operational, and administrative aspects. The exercise involved representatives from the National Cyber Directorate, the Israel Electric Corporation, Israel Natural Gas Lines (INGL), Noga, and the Ministry of Energy. It was led by Yaron Tzvick, head of the Emergency, Security, and Cyber Division, and Sa'ar Ben Yehuda, head of the Sectoral Cyber Department, in collaboration with Code Blue. The exercise's goals were to strengthen management readiness, test decision-making and crisis management processes at senior levels, and maintain functional continuity of energy infrastructure even during a complex attack. Coordination between business sector bodies and state entities was also examined.