Iran is utilising private security cameras in Israel to gather real-time intelligence about its opponent, highlighting an ongoing issue with these devices observed in other global conflicts, international media reported.
Following Iranian ballistic missile strikes that damaged high-rise buildings in Tel Aviv, a former Israeli cybersecurity official issued a stark warning on public radio: either disable your home surveillance cameras or change their passwords.
According to Bloomberg, Refael Franco, formerly of the Israel National Cyber Directorate and now heading cybersecurity firm Code Blue, revealed that Iran has been attempting to access cameras to analyse missile impact sites and enhance targeting accuracy.
This surge in cyber activity accompanies the conflict between Israel and Iran, with pro-Israel hacking group Predatory Sparrow claiming responsibility for disrupting an Iranian bank and breaching a crypto exchange. Conversely, Iran’s IRIB News reported Israel’s cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
In a statement, the Israel National Cyber Directorate confirmed heightened targeting of internet-connected cameras by Iran for strategic purposes, emphasising ongoing attempts during the conflict. Despite social media circulation, photos of impact sites remain under official blackout.
This isn’t the first instance of adversaries exploiting private cameras for espionage. Hamas previously hacked into these devices before their invasions, demonstrating vulnerabilities in both public and private sectors.
Similar tactics were observed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where access to cameras aided in tracking movements near borders and military installations. Such methods prompted Ukraine to ban and disable street webcams to prevent Russian airstrikes.
The global private surveillance market, projected to grow significantly, faces ongoing concerns over security vulnerabilities. Despite warnings, many consumers prioritise cost over security, leaving devices vulnerable to exploitation as entry points into broader networks.
