Israeli investigation: Information security failure in the occupation army continues after 3 years

Tel Aviv - Ofoq News - An investigation broadcast by the Israeli Channel 14, on Monday, revealed that a serious failure in information security within the Israeli army still exists three years after October 7, and that the reality, according to the channel, has not changed, but rather has gotten worse, despite the army’s announcement that it is combating the phenomenon.

The Hebrew Channel 14 said that the massive expansion of social networks in the lives of soldiers contributed significantly to collecting information before October 7, according to previous investigations referred to in the report.

He explained that pictures and clips posted by soldiers gradually made it possible to draw maps of the locations of the bases and the map locations within them.

According to the investigation, soldiers continue to upload recordings from military sites and bases with their faces uncovered, and with badges and names, making this information available to the public.

Yitzhaki showed scenes of soldiers posting pictures and clips on TikTok from inside bases, housing areas, and shooting ranges.

The investigation indicated that, following this failure, the army developed a system called “Morpheus,” which is supposed to monitor these accounts and alert them to sensitive content. However, examination of the channel concluded that the phenomenon is continuing and expanding.

The examination also revealed a feature in “Tik Tok” that allows live broadcast face-to-face, during which soldiers can receive gifts and convert them into real money. During the broadcast, viewers can message the participants, including questions in Arabic such as: “Which unit are you in?” and “Do you have a weapon?” The investigation described this as an extremely serious failure.

The investigation quoted the Israeli army as saying: “The army has clear orders and directives regarding the use of social networks, filming in military facilities, and publishing content while on duty, and they aim to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information to the enemy, and to maintain the security of military personnel and military assets.”

The channel commented that this response means that the army claims to implement these instructions and prevent violations, “but what we see shows that this is not entirely true.”

She concluded by asking who will take responsibility for stopping this failure, and whether and how change will come.