Homeland Security officials met with Jewish organizations to advise them on cybersecurity, a “primary” area of concern, according to the body that advises Jewish groups on security issues.

“It is imperative that Jewish leaders, executives and senior staff, beyond traditional IT personnel, better understand the magnitude and implications of this growing and dynamic threat, which has the potential to cripple networks, steal private information, impact organizational reputation and compromise both physical and IT security,” said a statement announcing the Oct. 23 webinar organized by the Secure Community Network, the security arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

“In recent months, a number of Jewish organizations including national agencies, synagogues and camps have reported suspicious cyberincidents, hacking, website defacement and probing from overseas locations including the Middle East, prompting heightened security concerns.”