They posed as a senior police officer - and tried to trick a journalist: the Iranians' new and worrying target
First publication: Iranian intelligence operatives are targeting journalists in Israel with phishing attempts. In one case, an agent posed as the assistant of the head of the police Investigations and Intelligence Division, Superintendent Boaz Balt, and tried to arrange a meeting with a journalist. The agent sent a Zoom invitation by email, and the journalist had to change her account and block her credit card. The Shin Bet and the National Cyber Directorate issued an unusual warning.
A first publication by i24NEWS reveals a new and worrying target of Iranian intelligence operatives: journalists in Israel. Lee Ayish, head of the crime desk, revealed this evening (Monday) in the main edition the method by which Iranian agents try to trick journalists. In an unusual statement published yesterday by the Shin Bet and the National Cyber Directorate, a warning was issued about phishing attempts against media personnel, following several recent approaches by Iranian operatives to individuals in Israel while impersonating law enforcement figures. In at least one case, the name of the head of the police Investigations and Intelligence Division, Superintendent Boaz Balt, was used. An Iranian agent contacted an Israeli journalist, posing as the superintendent's assistant, and tried to arrange a meeting. The agent wrote to the journalist: "I am the advisor; Superintendent Boaz Balt wants to meet with you regarding recent criminal matters." The journalist asked for his name, and the agent replied: "I am Sarah Levi, I plan the meetings." The agent sent a Zoom meeting invitation by email, and at that point the takeover attempt began. As a result, the journalist had to change her account and block her credit card. Several similar approaches were made to journalists via Instagram as well. The events are being examined by the security establishment.