Israeli information security regulation has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, impacting how organizations approach the subject. Information security regulations have evolved from a system of technical recommendations to a legal framework with practical implications for organizations that are not adequately prepared. Two key milestones have shaped the current reality. The first is the position of the Privacy Protection Authority published in May 2024, which established the framework for cyber incident preparedness. The second is amendment 13 to the Privacy Protection Law, which came into effect in August 2025 and expanded organizational obligations. An organization that does not comply with these requirements risks regulatory exposure, reputational damage, and economic harm.
Information Security Regulations in Israel after Amendment 13
Information security regulations in Israel received a significant boost with the enactment of Amendment 13 to the Privacy Protection Law in August 2025. The amendment turned the requirements into a truly enforceable mandate, presenting organizations with a reality where compliance is a central component of continued proper operation. The Privacy Protection Authority clarified in its position dated May 2024 that an organization must conduct a risk survey every eighteen months, and not just as a one-time act. This survey is a thorough process that includes six defined stages, starting with mapping the organization's information assets, continuing to identify threats and vulnerabilities, and concluding with a situation assessment that leads to a focused action plan. Alongside the survey, a penetration test is legally required. These two components together create the foundation for proper preparation against regulatory requirements, and an organization that skips them is in a more exposed position facing a future event.
Components of preparedness that every organization must implement
Proper regulatory preparedness isn't just about installing a single system or appointing a responsible party. It's a set of complementary components that need to work together to provide effective protection. Each such component is designed to address a different risk, and the absence of one of them can create a vulnerability that diminishes the value of the other components.
Penetration test to identify vulnerabilities before an attacker exploits them
✔ Periodic risk assessment that provides an up-to-date picture of the exposure
✔ Employee phishing campaign to test actual readiness level
✔ Awareness training for employees and management as a basis for human defense
Incident Response Plan including Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Post-Mortem
Another important component is a business continuity plan, which helps an organization continue to operate even in the event of a serious incident. Implementing these components together distinguishes an organization that declares compliance from one that actually implements it.
Privacy Protection Law, Information Security, and Management Responsibility
The Privacy Protection Law, information security, and regulations derived from it are not solely directed at the technology department. The responsibility for implementation rests with the management level in the organization, headed by the requirement to appoint an information security officer who serves as the central point for preparation and response. Many organizations, especially medium and small ones, struggle to employ a full-time information security officer. Therefore, the practical solution to Amendment 13's requirements often comes through a model of external service that provides this function without the need to allocate internal resources. Such a model typically includes the necessary preparation components, from penetration testing and risk assessments, through phishing campaigns and training, to incident response and business continuity plans. The requirement to comply with Amendment 13 has raised the bar for organizational investment in the field, making it clear that a partial solution usually does not provide complete regulatory compliance.
Cyber incident response and real-time reaction
A cyber incident response plan is an important component of an organization's overall regulation and preparedness. It complements the preliminary defense layer and enables quick and professional handling even in complex scenarios, therefore it is an integral part of quality initial preparedness. Incident response requires skill, up-to-date knowledge, and familiarity with the complexity of current cyber threats. The first few minutes from the moment of detection are critical, and mistakes in those minutes can turn a limited incident into one that affects the entire organization. For this purpose, Israel has a dedicated cyber attack emergency hotline at 073-2200106, which provides initial free consultation at moments when it is important to quickly receive professional guidance. Full response includes five defined stages that every organization is required to define in advance.
Event identification and determination of its exact scope
🛡️ Rapid containment that prevents the attacker from spreading within the organization
🛡️ Treatment that cleans malware and its remnants
🛡️ Recovery that brings business operations back on track
🛡️ An investigation that draws lessons and helps prevent the recurrence of the event
An organization that has not predefined these five steps may struggle with managing a cyber incident and providing an adequate response to regulatory requirements after the incident.
Enforcing organizational requirements in practice
The transition from statement to action requires a deep understanding of the regulator's expectations and how information security regulations in Israel are translated into daily requirements. Within this framework, Regulation 13 of Information Security is part of the regulatory system that the organization must maintain, and together with the other regulations, it defines the scope of actual obligations. The Privacy Protection Authority examines several key aspects during an investigation that reflect the organization's true level of readiness.
Organized documentation of information security policies and procedures in an organization
Internal control scope implemented on the network and systems
Proof of actual implementation, not just on paper.
Reporting system for the regulator and parties affected by the incident
Beyond that, customers and business partners today examine the security level of those they connect with as part of collaborative work considerations. An organization that cannot demonstrate compliance may lose business opportunities and encounter difficulty entering into deals where proven compliance is required.
International Standards in Response to Privacy Protection Law Requirements: Information Security
Beyond the direct requirements of the Privacy Protection Law, many organizations choose to join international standards that provide an organized and globally accepted framework. The ISO 27001 standard deals with information security and defines the control system that an organization is required to implement, maintain, and continuously improve. The ISO 22301 standard deals with business continuity and complements the aspect of the ability to recover from an event and maintain continuous operation. The choice to certify the organization for both standards together creates a broad picture of preparedness, both in terms of defense and recovery. Professional guidance for the certification process includes preparation, building the control system, documenting procedures, and reviewing all requirements until the standard is actually obtained. Ofek Dist has been operating since 2006 in the fields of information security and Israeli regulation, and offers guidance for the certification process of both standards together with a fifteen percent price advantage when purchasing both standards consecutively.
Summary and the Way to Comply with Information Security Regulations in Israel
The regulatory reality in Israel is sharpening year by year. Compliance with information security regulations is an important component of many organizations' business activities, and the approach to this matter is becoming increasingly relevant as enforcement tightens. An organization that starts the process on time and in an organized manner is in a better position regarding risks and requirements, saving itself high costs that may accompany dealing with an incident or closing gaps at the last minute. The first step is usually the easiest: a conversation with a professional who will examine the existing situation, identify the gaps, and present a tailored action plan.
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