War in the 21st century looks completely different from how it did in the Cold War. Among the many ways in which terrorist groups find ways to run effectively,. We’ve seen Russian hackers pop up attacking Ukraine and using the Darknet for forms of communication and coordination tactics. With the Hamas-Isrealli war, we’re seeing similar tactics play out. Hamas is utilizing all they can to win their war against Israel! Let’s take a closer look at how the Israel-Hamas conflict is taking place on the cyber battlefield.
How the Dark Web Plays A Role In Wars
The Darknet, a unique part of the internet, operates beyond the realm of conventional search engines. Accessible only through specific routing software, such as Tor (The Onion Router), it constitutes a clandestine digital space where users can engage in activities away from the prying eyes of traditional online surveillance.
Similar to your average Darknet Market user, terrorists will use the Darknet under pseudonyms, shielding their real-world identities. They’ll make all their transactions with crypto and generally keep communication and interactions all on encrypted platforms. But anonymity is not as important, it’s more about hiding their messages and plans from those who stand against them.
While not exhaustive, there have been instances where other terrorist groups have exploited the Darknet:
- ISIS Propaganda Dissemination:
- ISIS sympathizers have utilized the Darknet to disseminate propaganda materials, leveraging the anonymity and encrypted channels to avoid detection.
- Al-Qaeda Communication:
- Various branches of Al-Qaeda have been reported to use encrypted messaging services on the Darknet for secure communication and coordination.
- Weapon Procurement Attempts:
- Instances of individuals with extremist ideologies attempting to procure weapons or materials for illegal activities on Darknet markets highlight the diverse misuse of the platform.
However, we’ve seen more and more hackers taking roles in the war now.
Hamas Hackers
While most are watching Hamas and Isreal’s ground war take place, the longstanding conflict between Hamas and Israel has extended its battleground into the digital domain. This is an overlooked cyber war taking place too. From propaganda promoting deceptive claims, manipulated images, and spreading their message, Hamas have done what they could. This has raised concerns as more hacktivist groups aligning with both sides has intensified these apprehensions. Operating boldly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram, these self-proclaimed “digital warriors” boast of successful cyber attacks on critical organizations, yet concrete evidence supporting their claims remains elusive.
According to Ian Gray, the vice president of cyber threat intelligence at Flashpoint, there has been an increase in discussions, DDoS attacks, and website defacements on the dark web from activist groups who support either side of the conflict in their political and ideological views. Something that’s clear is the hacktivists roles play as a key to the success of both sides. That being said, since Hamas has fewer funds going around, their push to receive funds in the form of crypto has increased drastically over the last few months.
On the pro-Palestine side, we have a group of Russian-backed hackers known as Killnet and Anonymous Sudan who performed the recent attacks on Israeli government websites and targeted Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system.
In addition to these hacker groups, others expressed their support for Hamas. Indian hacker group Mysterious Team Bangladesh has also openly voiced their support for the Palestinian cause. More hacker groups that have participated in the cyberspace battleground include Team_Azrael_Angel_of_Death, GanosecTeam, HacktivistIndonesia, GarudaAnonSecurity, KEPTEAM, TeamInsanePakistan, and Xv888.
They’ve all joined forces with Hamas after a major influx of Hamas-related videos, especially over Telegram. Videos that would naturally promote their cause and request for financial support. In fact, Hamas posted a training exercise last year on the 28th of December called the Strong Pillar exercise, which showed them moving through a mockup of the Israeli military base. This exact exercise was then put into action when Hama attacked. Some would say they hid their tactics in plain sight.
This has caused an all-out-war between online different Hacker groups who hold different opinions over the wars. Several hacker groups, including the Ghosts of Palestine, have objected to their competiters support of Israel and have vowed to turn their attention to them as well. On 9th Oct, there were reports that there were attacks attempted on government websites like India’s top medical science institute.
Nonetheless, Hamas is using their sway online to garner support for their cause. The more hacktivist that gets involved, the more likely the cyber war will continue to grow and evolve. So much so that experts believe it’ll eventually expand to several other countries.
Hamas Wallets Frozen
In 2023, several major crypto platforms, including Binance and Tether, froze wallets linked to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist political party and militant group. In March 2023 Tether froze the first Hamas-linked wallets, worth over $870,000.
“Contrary to popular belief, cryptocurrency transactions are not anonymous; they are the most traceable and trackable assets. Every transaction is recorded on the blockchain, making it feasible for anyone to trace fund movements. Consequently, criminals foolish enough to employ cryptocurrencies for illegal activities will inevitably be identified,”
Tether’s newly named CEO, Paolo Ardoino
Then, in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed dozens of civilians. Israeli authorities ordered the freezing of dozens of crypto accounts linked to Hamas.
Binance confirmed freezing over 100 accounts associated with Hamas.
“We are deeply saddened by the events in the Middle East [we have blocked a] small number of accounts. As always, Binance follows internationally recognised sanctions rules, blocking the small number of accounts linked to illicit funds. We wish for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict and the safety of all innocent civilians.”
Binance said in a statement sent to Euronews Next
As Hamas relies heavily on donations, and cryptocurrencies blocking these funds have been significant to the mission of removing such a group. Still going forward, freezing Hamas’s crypto wallets aims to cut off the group’s access to funds used to finance terrorist activities. In general, crypto platforms have a responsibility to protect their users from fraud and criminal activity, including terrorism financing.
Ofcourse there’s been support and rebuke on these actions. Some argue that it infringes on individuals’ privacy rights, while others doubt its effectiveness as a sustainable solution in the long run. Hamas may also find new ways to access and use cryptocurrencies, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adaptation by authorities. The long-term effects of freezing Hamas’s crypto wallets are yet to be seen.
Hey there, I’m a dark web geek who’s been around for the last 8 years. More precisely, I’m livedarknet’s senior content writer who’s been writing about darknet marketplaces, tutorials, and cybersecurity stuff for educational purposes.