Iranian-linked hackers are alleged to have also stolen data from the Dimona Nuclear Research Centre [Getty]
Hackers reportedly linked with Iran’s offensive cyber operations have leaked the details of military high-ranking Israeli officials, including a nuclear scientist, according to reports.
The hacking group released photographs of a leading Israeli nuclear scientist working in the Soreq Nuclear Research Center and leaked the names of other scientists involved in the facility’s particle accelerator project.
The hackers also revealed alleged personal photographs and documents of a former defence ministry director General, Israel’s ambassador to the US, and familial information of senior officials, according to a report from Haaretz.
Some of the photographs reportedly relate to the scientist’s work as a radiation safety expert, including screenshots from the Soreq particle accelerator project, some of which date back to 2014-2015.
The hackers threatened to release further images and documents, according to Haaretz, which reported that Israeli cyber security experts were concerned with the volume-sensitive leaks.
The report quoted the Israeli prime minister’s office as denying the images leaked belonged to any of the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission’s facilities, although it admitted that some of the screenshots did relate to the particle accelerator at Soreq.
In March the same group claimed to have obtained data from the Dimona Nuclear Research Center.
The leak comes amid a long list of data breaches and leaks within Israel’s security and political establishment since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023.
A number of departments have been hit by cyberattacks and data breaches in recent years, including the justice ministry, defence ministry, nuclear research centres, and other state institutions.
The leaks also included personal information from current and former Israeli officials.
Israel’s internal security agencies have been clamping down on “Iranian cells” in the country which were alleged to have spied on high-ranking Israeli military and scientific figures and facilities.
Israeli authorities have also claimed that as well as spying, the cell is preparing attacks on nuclear scientists and high-ranking military personnel.
