CYBER ATTACK

Chinese Hackers 'Targeted Israel's 

Iron Dome'

Data relating to the anti-missile system was reportedly stolen from three Israeli defence firms over a 22-month period.

Blueprints for Israel's Iron Dome defence system were stolen in cyberattacks by hackers from China, it has been claimed.

Documents and data relating to the anti-missile system were stolen from three Israeli defence firms over a 22-month period, intelligence firm Cyber Engineering Services (CES) said.

CES said the attacks bore the hallmarks of a group of hackers known as the Comment Crew, which is allegedly sponsored by Beijing.

The intrusions occurred between October 2011 and August 2012, but have only now been made public.

The hackers reportedly targeted Elisra Group, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

CES tapped into the secret communications infrastructure set up by the hackers, and found that large amounts of data held by the three companies had been compromised.

Chief executive Joseph Drissel said the air defence system was the likely target.

Iron Dome, which cost $1bn (£590m), intercepts rockets fired at urban areas and is subsidised by the US.

Earlier this year the US government charged five members of Comment Crew following a reported seven-year campaign of cyber-espionage against more than 100 US companies.