Cybercrime in Israel: 42% of Citizens Affected by Online Fraud

Nearly Half of Israelis Targeted by Online Scams: A Growing Concern

Online scams are emerging as a noteworthy issue in Israel, with nearly half of the population falling prey to various forms of cybercrime, as revealed by a recent study conducted by the Israel Internet Association. These findings highlight the urgent need for bolstered cybersecurity measures, widespread education, and stronger vigilance to mitigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital fraud.

Online Scams in Israel: An Alarming Trend

The study uncovered that 42% of Israelis have experienced online scams, including phishing attempts, fraudulent schemes, and undelivered purchases. Of these, 22.7% of respondents reported falling victim to phishing—a scam designed to extract sensitive personal and financial information. Moreover, 14.2% of respondents paid for products or services that were never delivered.

Cybersecurity specialist Dr. Lior Shalom expressed concern about the growing sophistication of these attacks. “Cybercriminals are constantly refining their methods, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent communications,” he said.

Diverse Cyber Threats and Their Impact

Israeli citizens have faced a broad range of cyber threats. According to the research:

21% of respondents detected malware or viruses on their devices.
7% experienced unauthorized access to personal accounts, including email and social media.
6.1% suffered identity theft or phishing-related breaches.

“It’s not just about financial loss,” said cybersecurity advocate Yael Ben-David. “The emotional toll of dealing with identity theft or unauthorized access can be devastating and erodes trust in online platforms.”

Unsafe Digital Practices Fueling Vulnerability

The study also revealed a lack of adequate cybersecurity practices among Israelis. Alarmingly, 70% of respondents admitted to reusing passwords across multiple accounts, while 38% lacked the ability to identify secure websites.

“These statistics point to the need for better user education,” remarked Eli Cohen, director of the Israel Internet Association. “Strong cybersecurity isn’t just about technology; it’s about equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely.”

National Efforts to Combat Online Fraud

In response to these findings, the Israel Internet Association, backed by the Ministry of Justice’s Class Action Fund, has initiated a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about online scams. The campaign includes an educational webpage that offers practical resources for recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes.

“Education is the cornerstone of prevention,” said Cohen. “By teaching people how to identify scams and secure their information, we can significantly reduce the risk of cybercrime.”