In order to thwart Iranian nuclear ambitions, the Israeli secret service may be considering the use of cyber-warfare, according to a recent report. The Mossad could plant malicious software into the computer systems of nuclear facilities that would trigger explosives according to a predetermined criteria. The cyber-attack could include crashing certain systems or even rerouting pipes that would trigger an explosion within the facility. Because access to Iranian computers likely could not occur over the internet, Israeli agents would need to introduce the malicious software through an outside source, such as an addendum to new software or on a USB drive.
Unlike a conventional strike on Iran, Israel could plausibly deny any part in the covert cyber-attacks. Moreover, a conventional military strike on Iranian nuclear sites would require a long-distance aerial assault to fly over hostile Arab nations and may not completely dismantle the nuclear program. However, the precise effects of a cyber-attack could be concealed by Iran whereas the destruction from a conventional strike is immediately apparent.
