The IDF’s Operations Department has recently defined the essence of IDF cyber warfare, putting together instructions that define the military´s operational methods in cyber space and clarify its goals in facing potential enemies.

The IDF Website revealed on Sunday these instructions for the first time and, according to the IDF document, cyber space is to be handled similarly to other battlefields on ground, at sea, in the air and in space. The IDF has been engaged in cyber activity consistently and relentlessly, gathering intelligence and defending its own cyber space. If necessary, says the document, cyber space will be used to execute attacks and intelligence operations.

There are many, diverse, operational cyber warfare goals, including thwarting and disrupting enemy projects that attempt to limit operational freedom of both the IDF and the State of Israel, as well as incorporating cyber warfare activity in completing objectives at all fronts and in every kind of conflict.

The IDF will use cyber warfare to maintain Israel´s quality and advantage over its enemies and prevent their growth and military capabilities, while limiting their operation in this field, says the document.

Additional goals defined by the document include the creation of operational conditions that will assist in fulfilling IDF capabilities in combat as well as influence public opinion and raise awareness by advocating in the cyber space.

Overall, cyber space will be used to improve the operational effectiveness of the IDF, both during war and peace time. This will be done through clandestine activity, while maintaining confidentiality and expertise.

Internet security expert Isaac Ben-Israel recently said in a report on cyber security that Israel is the focus of tens of thousands of cyber attacks per week.

According to Ben-Israel´s calculations, Israel is hit with 1,000 cyber-attacks every minute, which he divides into a hierarchy of threats.

Earlier this year, the Israeli Defense Ministry established a special cyber warfare administration, which coordinates the efforts of security agencies and the Israeli defense industry in developing advanced systems to deal with cyber warfare.

Cyber attacks became a concern in recent months, after hackers exposed Israelis´ credit card details, and several Israeli websites were broken into. (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 06/04/12)