The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a new cybersecurity authority designed to protect the state from increased online attacks and better co-ordinate efforts between the public and private sectors.
The new body will be led by Israeli National Cyber Bureau (INCB) chief Eviatar Matania and is said by the PM’s Office to be an “operative agency” which will work alongside the INCB.
It will apparently “link civilian and security spheres” by co-ordinating efforts between experts in various sectors, and lead the country’s cyber-defense activities as well as looking longer term at the threat landscape.
Matania now has 60 days max to submit the proposal for Security Cabinet approval and thereafter to establish the agency with a multi-year plan by working with other departments, the PM’s Office said.
Netanyahu clarified in a statement that the new authority would be tasked not only with defending “important facilities and security agencies” but also Israeli citizens.
“This is the establishment of a new authority. It is, in effect, the creation of an air force against new threats and not rely on this being carried out by existing agencies,” he said. “We are in a new world; we are preparing with new forces. This has very major significance for the defense of the State of Israel in the future."
It’s not fully clear how the INCB’s remit will change measurably from before.
However, it is likely that the new body will take over any operational elements, while the existing authority – founded two years ago – will concentrate on developing advanced cyber-technologies to protect economic growth and establish Israel as an “international leader” in the field.
Tim Erlin, director of security and risk at Tripwire, argued that the move was primarily driven by economic considerations.
“It’s nearly impossible for Israel to maintain its position in the world without a robust economy, and it’s nearly impossible to maintain a robust economy without a strong technology infrastructure in place,” he added.
“Given the aggressiveness with which Israel has defended itself in the physical world, it’s reasonable to wonder if that same stance will translate to the cybersecurity realm. It’s possible that Israel may find itself at the forefront of offensive cybersecurity very quickly.”