‘Cyberdome’ exercise brings together IDF intel and US Cyber Command to strengthen joint capabilities

Israel Defense Forces announced that a two-week joint exercise involving the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) and the IDF's intelligence, computer and IT branches concluded last week in the United States.

The “Cyberdome” exercise focused on strengthening the joint cyber capabilities of the two allies. It included a series of training scenarios designed to address the growing cyber threats faced by both nations, with an emphasis on the Middle East, the IDF stated.

Dozens of cyber personnel from the IDF and the USCYBERCOM participated in the exercise. IDF Computer and IT Directorate commander, Maj.-Gen. Aviad Dagan, said the exercise “illustrates the importance of cooperation between Israel and the United States in the cyber dimension.”

“This is a strategic opportunity to deepen professional ties, share knowledge and capabilities and work together to strengthen the protection of the digital space of the two countries. This cooperation is essential to deal with threats that are developing in the cyber dimension in the global arena,” he added.

Deputy Commanding General of the USCYBERCOM, Brig.-Gen. Matthew Lennox noted, “This annual event provides a valuable opportunity for US and Israeli cyber personnel to work together in a complex training environment, solidifying the bond between our two nations and fostering a shared understanding of cyber operations.”

Israel is among the most targeted countries in cyberspace, and faces “a nearly constant barrage of cyber-attacks,” according to a recent report by the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies titled, “Israel: The Making of a Global Cyber Power.”

“In early 2023 alone, Israel blocked more than 1,000 attacks that had the potential to cause significant economic disruption. In the early months of the war against Hamas in Gaza, there were some 3,400 significant attacks, more than double the multi-year average for that period,” the report stated.

Cyber attacks, many of them involving hostile state actors like Iran, have targeted “nearly every possible type of computer system in Israel,” including critical infrastructure like electricity, water and communication systems.

“The IDF and intelligence community have also been central targets and have faced numerous attempts to break through their defenses and penetrate computer systems, including operational ones,” the report said.

The “symbiotic relationship between the IDF and Israel’s commercial cyber sector, academia, and government ministries” has positioned Israel as a leading global leader in cyberspace, despite its small population and limited economic resources.

The report attributed this success to several factors, including compulsory military service in the IDF and the military’s “singular contribution to the training of Israel’s cyber experts,” as well as the country’s “unique national culture,” which the authors described as 'chutzpah gone viral.'