The Day the Iranians Open the Degania Dam

Imagine a scenario where, with the click of a button, from a computer in Tehran, Damascus, or Istanbul, someone opens the Degania Dam to full flow for hours, without anyone in Israel noticing. Sounds like a fictional script? Unfortunately, it's not entirely far-fetched. A recent incident in Norway proves that this can indeed happen, and it highlights a disturbing reality: our modern infrastructure is vulnerable to cyber attacks on an unprecedented scale.

A Weak Password Unleashes Chaos

In April, a foreign hacking group managed to infiltrate the control system of the Lake Risevatnet dam in Norway. The attackers exploited a weak password and the absence of advanced authentication measures, gaining full access to the dam's pumps without any alert or response from the maintenance team. For four hours, the valves were opened, increasing the water flow by 497 liters per second above the minimum level. It was as if someone had clicked a button, unleashing chaos in a country that prides itself on its robust cybersecurity.

The Norwegian Dam: A Wake-Up Call

What made the Norwegian dam particularly vulnerable was a basic control panel that was exposed to the internet without adequate protection. The attackers easily bypassed the authentication setup and gained full control over the dam's pumps. Claroty, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, analyzed the incident and emphasized that it wasn't the work of masterminds but rather a critical system left completely exposed due to a simple failure: an easy password and lack of basic monitoring.

The Threat Looms Closer to Home

If it happened in Norway, it could certainly happen here. Israel operates dozens of dams and water reservoirs, including the Degania Dam, which regulates the flow of water from the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) to the Jordan River. These facilities are now controlled by automated, computerized systems—many of which are connected to networks, directly or indirectly—and face ongoing cyber threats.

The Consequences Are Real

According to data from the search engine Shodan, which detects exposed systems (not websites), over 23,000 automation systems worldwide are vulnerable to attackers at the press of a button. These include not only dams but also air conditioning, lighting, drainage, and security systems. "Imagine someone shutting off the air conditioning in a hospital in July, or changing water pressure in the supply line to a power station," experts warn. The consequences of such an attack could be catastrophic.

Will We Be Ready?

At the end of the day, the question is not if someone will try to hack into our systems—but when. The real question is: will we be ready? The incident in Norway serves as a stark reminder that our modern infrastructure is vulnerable to cyber attacks on an unprecedented scale. It's time for Israel and other countries to take proactive measures to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, invest in advanced authentication measures, and ensure that critical systems are protected from rogue actors.

The Future of Cybersecurity

As we move forward, it's essential to acknowledge the reality of cyber threats and take concrete steps to mitigate them. We must prioritize cybersecurity awareness, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and develop robust defense mechanisms to protect our critical infrastructure. The day the Iranians open the Degania Dam may seem like a fictional script, but the reality is that this could happen tomorrow. It's time for us to take action and ensure that we're ready for the challenges that lie ahead.