The State Prosecution filed an indictment Thursday against Michael Bar, 43, of Ashkelon, accusing him of carrying out widespread cyberattacks against numerous Israeli companies and private individuals.
According to the indictment filed in the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court, Bar systematically developed and distributed malicious computer programs from 2019 until his arrest approximately three weeks ago. He used artificial intelligence tools to help develop the malware.
Using the programs, Bar allegedly gained remote access to the computers of 26 Israeli companies, as well as the computers of private individuals, and extracted sensitive business and personal information.
Bar worked as an information security manager for a company that oversees several businesses in the construction and home-design industries. Prosecutors say he used his position and technical abilities to maintain remote control over targeted computers and carry out a wide range of operations.
The malware allowed him to bypass computer security systems, collect files, passwords and account-access details, take control of users’ computers, activate their cameras without their knowledge, watch their activity in real time, record them and track their actions.
The programs reportedly continued operating even after the computers were shut down.
The activity was uncovered in April 2026 after one of the targeted companies launched an investigation upon suspecting that it had been the victim of a cyberattack. Investigators soon determined that the incident may have been part of a much broader attack targeting the Israeli economy.
National Cyber Directorate officials contacted Bar in his capacity as the company’s information security manager and informed him that the company may have been targeted.
According to the indictment, Bar concealed the fact that he was behind the attack. He held numerous conversations with cyber officials while continuing to commit the offenses.
He later developed more sophisticated malware and installed it on additional companies’ computer systems.
The indictment charges Bar with numerous offenses, including unlawful penetration of computer material, prohibited software activity, introducing a virus into a computer, invasion of privacy and theft.
The State Prosecution is seeking to keep Bar in custody until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
In its detention request, the Cyber Division said Bar possesses advanced technological skills and cyber capabilities that enabled him to adapt the malware he created and use it for a broad range of offensive actions.
In addition to attacking company computers, Bar also installed the malware on employees’ personal computers. For years, prosecutors say, he sent commands to those devices and collected sensitive personal information and recordings of the users.
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