Chinese hackers were purportedly behind the breach of Israel's "Iron Dome" missile system, which had been stored in three of Israel's defense firms.

Massive quantities of confidential documents related to shield technology were reportedly stolen from three Israeli defense contractors. Authorities divulge that the breach may have compromised data connected with building the "Iron Dome" missile shield. At present, the billion dollar system serves as Israel's protection against an onslaught of rocket strikes.

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KrebsOnSecurity has identified Elisra Group, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (RADS) as the security corporations believed to be hacked by Beijing's notorious "Comment Crew". All three corporations were involved with the "Iron Dome" project. The alleged hackers are recognized for their association with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

"Rafael does not recall such an incident," Amit Zimmer, vice president and spokesperson of RADS, declares.

"Rafael's data bases, including its air defense data bases, are extremely well protected to the highest standards," he further states.

Meanwhile, a representative from IAI admitted the breach. According to an interview with Haaretz, an Israeli news outlet, the spokeswoman claimed that the hacking incidents were "related to an attempt at penetrating the company's civilian, unclassified Internet network ... several years ago."

A report provided by Cyber Engineering Services Inc. (CyberESI), which remains unavailable to the public, reveals that the Chinese hackers were able to pilfer "large amounts of data". The breach was said to have occurred between October 10, 2011 and August 13, 2012.

Stolen data particularly included schematics for the Arrow 3 missiles employed in the Iron Dome system, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, ballistic rockets, and "other technical documents."

The highly-funded defense system has been commended as a "game-changer", which has manifested its most advantageous assistance in the current turmoil with Hamas militants in the Gaza strip. Israel's "Iron Dome" missile system has provided badly needed protection and sense of security to civilians on the home front.

The system has the capacity to shoot down approximately 90% of incoming rockets, which consequently saved innumerable civilian lives. Moreover, this technological advantage allows Israel to operate practically unconstrained in resolving the Gaza strip dispute.   

Applauded as the world's most effective missile shield, the "Iron Dome" defense system was said to have been partly funded by the U.S. government. A similar system is also utilized by U.S. defense contractors.

TagsIron Dome, Israel, Elisra Group, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, KrebsOnSecurity, Comment Crew, Amit Zimmer, hackers, Cyber Engineering Services Inc