Internet Consumption Surges in Israel Amidst Conflict, Raises Concerns Over Cybersecurity

In a recent report published by Bezeq, Israel's leading telecommunications company, it has been revealed that the average internet consumption per household in the country has surged by 18% since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict. The data, based on a representative sample of devices connected to Bezeq's home network, provides insights into the shifting online behaviors of Israelis during this challenging period.

The report highlights a significant spike in internet usage during the first week of the war, with a sharp 35% increase in average consumption per household, soaring from 15.9 gigabytes to 20.7 gigabytes per day. Although the usage stabilized in the second week, it has remained elevated at approximately 18.8 gigabytes per day, reflecting a lasting impact on internet habits.

Notably, there has been a 46% increase in phishing attacks since the outbreak of the conflict, with a staggering 4 million attempted attacks reported. This surge in cyber threats raises concerns about the security implications for individuals and businesses relying heavily on online connectivity.

Social media usage also experienced fluctuations, with a 44% increase in the first week of the war, particularly on platforms like Facebook, which saw a 60% spike in average daily usage. Instagram and TikTok also witnessed initial upticks but eventually returned to normal levels. Telegram, emerging as an uncensored information channel, saw a twofold increase in downloads and a 50% rise in daily visits.

Gaming saw a 12% increase in usage, reflecting a shift in recreational activities during the conflict. However, television viewing patterns showed a decline from 7 to 12 hours a day in the first week to an average of 4-9 hours per household per day subsequently.

Communication trends were also impacted, with a doubling of outgoing call minutes in the first week, reaching 5 million call minutes per day compared to the pre-war average of 2.5 million minutes. In the business sector, a 35% decrease in call traffic was observed during the initial week, gradually recovering to around 4.3 million minutes per day in the following weeks – still reflecting an 18% decline from pre-war levels.

The report sheds light on the evolving digital landscape in Israel, as individuals and businesses adapt to the challenges posed by the conflict, emphasizing the need for heightened cybersecurity measures amid increased online activity.