Israel looks to unify cyber forces

Israel’s military is considering combining its offensive and defensive cyber activities into one entity with wide-ranging authority to conduct cyberwarfare, according to a report.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), already known for its online prowess, conducts defensive efforts from within its command-and-control directorate and offensive attacks from within military intelligence.

{mosads}But a joint command could provide easier coordination, so officials are weighing the possibility and plan to present conclusions to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot for approval, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Israel is a serious force in cyberspace and Iran’s primary online adversary. The IDF works continuously to thwart Iran’s nuclear program and poke holes in the country’s restrictions on Internet usage.

Iran and pro-Palestinian hackers, meanwhile, are engaged in a continuous campaign against IDF, government and Israeli corporate networks.

Israel builds its cyber forces by looking for technical talent in young students, then funneling them into security training as part of their required military service. To join the IDF’s elite cyber teams, especially Unit 8200, is considered an honor.

The possibility of a unified Israeli cyber command echoes the streamlining of security capabilities in governments around the world. The U.S. Cyber Command, headed by NSA Director Adm. Mike Rogers, was created in 2010 but is still working to fill its ranks.