Israel ranks as the world’s second-most targeted country for cyberattacks and the most targeted in the Middle East, according to Microsoft’s 2026 Digital Defense Report released on Thursday. The United States holds the top spot with 531 reported cyber incidents, followed by Israel with 210. Taiwan and Japan rank third and fourth with 193 and 172 attacks respectively, while the United Kingdom is fifth.

The report noted a 21% increase in ransomware attacks against Israel since 2025. It also identified Iran as a primary source of cyber threats directed at Israel. The Iranian government is said to be orchestrating extensive, multi-layered cyber campaigns targeting Israel and various adversaries in the Middle East, particularly since the escalation of hostilities between the US and Israel.

According to the report, Iranian forces have recently broadened their cyber and influence operations aimed at disrupting military and information systems. These activities also seek to amplify strategic messaging and enhance operational impact against Israel.

Responding to the findings, Yossi Karadi, head of Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, described the country as being engaged in an intense, ongoing cyberspace campaign, facing some of the most advanced global threats. He emphasized the Directorate’s role in mitigating attack impacts, safeguarding citizens and critical infrastructure, and ensuring national continuity despite persistent cyber pressures.

Karadi attributed Israel’s ability to maintain operational resilience under such conditions to a comprehensive national defense framework. This integrated system involves coordination between the National Cyber Directorate, defense agencies, government ministries, the private sector, and international technology firms.

Highlighting the relentless nature of cyber warfare, Karadi remarked that unlike conventional conflicts, there is no ceasefire in cyberspace, with attacks occurring continuously around the clock. He also pointed to the rapidly growing influence of artificial intelligence in the cyber domain, which accelerates attack capabilities and reshapes the threat landscape.

Given these challenges, Karadi stated that Israel will persist in developing advanced cyber defenses, expanding collaboration efforts, and bolstering national resilience. He characterized successful cyber defense outcomes as those quietly reflected in blocked attacks, avoided damage, and the uninterrupted functioning of daily life.