Israel is world's second-most targeted country by cyberattacks, Microsoft finds

Microsoft's 2026 Digital Defense Report ranks Israel as the world's second-most targeted country by cyberattacks, with 210 observed events, trailing only the United States. The report identifies Iran as a major source of attacks and notes a 21% surge in ransomware incidents since 2025. Israel's National Cyber Directorate head Yossi Karadi responded, emphasizing the constant nature of the cyber battle. The report also highlights the growing role of AI in accelerating attacks and altering the cyber landscape.

Microsoft's 2026 Digital Defense Report, published on Thursday, ranks Israel as the world's second-most targeted country by cyberattacks, with 210 observed events. The United States leads with 531, followed by Taiwan (193) and Japan (172). The report identifies Iran as a major source of Israel's cyber incidents, noting the Islamic regime conducts broad, multi-layered campaigns against Israel and other adversaries in the Middle East, especially since the start of the US-Israeli war. Israel experienced a 21% surge in ransomware attacks since 2025. Iranian forces have expanded cyber and influence operations targeting military and information activities. Yossi Karadi, head of the National Cyber Directorate, responded that Israel is in an intense campaign in cyberspace and stands at the forefront of global threats. He emphasized that the country maintains functional continuity under such threats through an integrated national defense system involving the Directorate, defense bodies, government ministries, the economy, the cyber industry, and global companies. Karadi noted there is no ceasefire in cyberspace, and the fight is waged 24/7. He also highlighted the growing role of AI in accelerating attacks and altering the cyber landscape, stating the Directorate will continue developing advanced capabilities and strengthening national resilience.