Iran-Linked Hackers Cripple Israeli Payment Systems in DDoS Attack

On November 10, the Israeli payment processing company Hyp fell victim to a cyberattack, which left numerous customers unable to use their bank cards for purchases in stores and gas stations via terminals for several hours.

According to Israeli media, a hacker group allegedly affiliated with Iran claimed responsibility for the attack, though they offered no proof of involvement. The assault took the form of a DDoS attack and was directed at Hyp, whose services are utilized by a broad range of Israeli organizations, including the Maccabi Health Fund, taxi service Gett, food delivery platform Wolt, and the public transport payment systems Rav Kav Online and Hop-On.

Hyp confirmed that its Credit Guard division was the target, but reassured that the threat was successfully neutralized and regular service resumed. Additionally, the cyberattack impacted the popular digital payment application Bit, managed by Bank Hapoalim, causing disruptions that inconvenienced users.

The identities and motives of the perpetrators remain unknown in both incidents; however, these attacks highlight an escalating wave of cyber threats targeting Israel’s critical infrastructure.

For instance, in September, the hacker group Handala Hack struck at former high-ranking Israeli officials, leaking their confidential data publicly. Victims included former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

It is worth noting that, in late September, Israel hacked the communication network of the control tower at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, prohibiting an Iranian aircraft from landing and forcing it to return to Tehran.