The new expert will be in charge of implementing computer infrastructure security guidelines for Israeli commercial banks, and will work alongside the Shin Bet.

The person who is chosen for the new position in the Bank of Israel’s banking supervision department will be reponsible for forming guidelines for securing essential computer infrastructure against cyber warfare and terrorism in Israel’s banking system, monitoring its implementation, and identifying potential threats.

Computer server room. Photo by AP

The cyber warfare expert would liaise with the National Information Security Authority, and with the Shin Bet security service.

The required skills for the position are a formal computer science or science degree, along with four-year experience in the field. The applicant should also have two-years experience in information security, a high-level of English and willingness to work outside normal office hours.

The cyber warfare expert is estimated to earn some NIS 10,000, although it is expected to be affected by the applicant’s education and experience.

The search for a cyber warfare expert comes amid the discovery of a new computer virus in Iran named “Flame”, in what experts have described as the “most sophisticated cyber-weapon yet unleashed.”

On Wednesday, Haaretz revealed that Israel’s Shin Bet has recently stepped up its supervision of commercial banks, out of fear they become the target of a cyber attack.

The Shin Bet is also seeking to have the banks defined as institutions that are responsible for essential infrastructure, which would enable the agency to supervise them even more closely. All companies that fall under this definition have their computer systems directly supervised by the Shin Bet via the National Information Security Authority.

Companies already on this list include the Israel Electric Corporation, Israel Railways, Bezeq and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

Both the banks themselves and their regulator, the Bank of Israel, have for years opposed adding the banks to the list, fearing that Shin Bet involvement could frighten off both foreign investors and foreign depositors. But senior banking officials said that this time, they believe the Shin Bet will get its way, despite their opposition.

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By Sharon Shpure