Hacker arrested after allegedly planting malware in dozens of Israeli companies
Police say the Ashkelon man acted alone and used malicious software to collect sensitive information from companies across multiple industries. Investigators have not yet determined the full scope of the information allegedly stolen or the suspect's motive.
A cyberhacking investigation involving dozens of Israeli companies was brought into the open this week after police arrested a man in his 40s from Ashkelon on suspicion of planting malware on company computers and using it to collect sensitive information.
The suspect was arrested by detectives from the cyber unit of Lahav 433. According to police, the investigation began after indications emerged that computers at a small number of companies had been hacked and information stolen. Following a complaint, investigators launched an undercover probe that eventually led them to additional companies allegedly targeted by the suspect.
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Arrest of suspected hacker who broke into companies and stole sensitive information
(Screenshot, Israeli Police)
A source familiar with the investigation told Calcalist that it remains unclear exactly what information was exposed or what the suspect's motive was. He did not, at least until his arrest, appear to have used the stolen information to blackmail the companies.
"This is a hacker who acted alone, not connected to anyone, and without a criminal record," the source said.
According to police, investigators spent months tracing the suspect's identity. During the undercover investigation, cyber investigators used what police described as "complex analytical activity" to identify him.
Sources involved in the investigation said the probe gradually expanded as investigators identified additional companies whose computers had allegedly been compromised. By collecting information from the various incidents and connecting the evidence, investigators were eventually able to identify the suspected hacker.
"The process of searching for and locating the suspect was complex," one source said. "Little by little, the investigators were able to expand the investigation to additional companies and locate more companies whose computers he had hacked. After collecting more and more data, they were able to unravel his identity and eventually reach him."
The investigation, conducted by the Cyber Department of the State Attorney's Office, moved into its public phase this week. Police arrested the suspect, searched his home and seized computer equipment. Investigators also searched several other companies as part of the probe.
Police accuse the suspect of offenses under Israel's Computer Law, as well as wiretapping, invasion of privacy, obtaining something by fraud and other offenses.
The suspect was brought before the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court for a detention hearing. The court ordered that he remain in custody for six additional days, until Sunday. At the request of his attorney, a gag order was imposed on the suspect's name.
The investigation is continuing, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the companies allegedly targeted or the full extent of the information that may have been stolen.
