Dozens of Israeli actors were targeted in a phishing attack believed to have originated from Iran, during which they sent audition videos along with photos of their passports and ID cards, Israel’s National Cyber Directorate said Friday.
According to the statement, the attackers hacked into an email account and used it to send messages posing as casting calls for a new film by a well-known director. The emails requested audition videos and personal information, including ID card and passport scans and home addresses.
The directorate said that dozens of actors shared the requested information. Later, they received threatening messages attributing the operation to Iranian-linked entities, applying psychological pressure on the victims.
One Israeli actress who received a phishing email said it claimed to be an audition for a film by director Ari Folman about Oct. 7, the date of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel. She was asked to send a personal video explaining why she was suitable for the project, along with additional documents.
For those who already fell victim, the directorate advised replacing their ID cards and passports as soon as possible at the Population and Immigration Authority, changing passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible, including on government sites, the National Insurance Institute, bank accounts, tax authorities, email, and social media. The directorate also recommended notifying banks and credit card companies and monitoring for suspicious activity.