Virus attacks computer system at Israel's DM

JERUSALEM - Israeli Defense Ministry's computer system network has been infected with a virus that breached its strong security defenses, though no serious damage was reported, a local TV station reported late Tuesday.

The ministry is investigating the incident in an effort to find out where the virus came from and the extent of damage it has caused, the report said.

Israel's growing dependence on digital networks for daily banking, energy production and military operations has made cyber security a top national security issue, with government and military agencies working to identify vulnerability in the nation' s critical systems.

The National Cyber Bureau was established earlier this year to ensure the protection of critical civilian and military networks against cyber threats.

Last month, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that it uses cyber warfare for offensive military operations.