National Cyber Directorate warns of hostile attempts at intimidation, impersonation, and spreading false information, and calls on the public to act responsibly, check sources, and report any suspicious activity to hotline 119

The National Cyber Directorate warns of hostile digital influence attempts, urging the public to verify sources and report suspicious activity to hotline 119.

The National Cyber Directorate reminds the public that during this period, there may be an increase in influence attempts in the digital space by hostile elements – through the dissemination of false information, scaremongering messages, impersonations, and notifications aimed at undermining trust, increasing pressure, and creating confusion.

The main expected distribution channels are text messages – with or without links – calls, and messages impersonating familiar entities such as news channels and the Home Front Command, as well as distributions in WhatsApp groups, Telegram, and social networks. 

The National Cyber Directorate calls on the public to act responsibly and take basic precautions:
1. Do not click on suspicious links – do not click and report to the Directorate. 
2. Verify the source – enter the official website of the entity from which the message was allegedly sent (not through the link), and check if there is a corresponding official message/alert there.
3. Check suspicious text messages using the SCAN MY SMS website – 
You can copy the content of the message and check if it is a malicious link. 
4. Stop before sharing – check the source and whether there is verification from official sources.
5. Engage critical thinking and cross-reference information – especially when dealing with content that tries to cause stress, fear, or “rush to action.”

Sometimes the hostile message will try to “ride” on real events to appear more credible. The Directorate monitors these attempts and works to block them. 

The Directorate’s Center 119 is available to the public around the clock and also on WhatsApp: 050-6251119