Iran-linked hackers disrupt emergency systems at 20 Israeli kindergartens

The Iranian hacker group Handala claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that breached the emergency systems of Maagar-Tec, affecting approximately 20 kindergartens across Israel. The hackers activated rocket sirens and broadcast Arabic songs that supported terrorism, causing significant disruption in educational institutions. In addition to the audio attacks, Handala also sent intimidating text messages to tens of thousands of Israeli citizens, which authorities deemed non-malicious. While Handala claimed to have accessed sensitive data from Israel's National Security Ministry, officials reported no unusual findings on their servers. The National Cyber Directorate is collaborating with Maagar-Tec and the Ministry of Education to restore services and improve cybersecurity measures. As a precaution, affected systems were disconnected to prevent further issues.