Exposed: Iran’s Cyber Espionage Through Israel’s Security Cameras

Iran is exploiting vulnerabilities in private security cameras to gather real-time intelligence on Israel, a tactic also used in other global conflicts. According to Refael Franco, former deputy director general of Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, Iran has been attempting to connect to cameras to assess missile damage and improve precision.

Private security cameras are often easy to access and hack due to weak passwords or lack of security updates. A study by BitSight Technologies Inc. found live footage from 40,000 security cameras accessible on the internet, including 14,000 in the US.

Experts warn that consumers prioritize price over security, leaving cameras vulnerable to hacking. “Consumers need to remember that they’re not the only ones who may have access to this camera,” said Peleg Wasserman, a security architect.

This vulnerability has significant implications, particularly in conflict zones. Russia used private cameras to track movements in Ukraine, exploiting vulnerabilities to launch missile attacks. Similarly, Hamas hacked into private security cameras ahead of its invasion of Israel, using them to collect intelligence and monitor civilian and military movements.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend investing in higher-end systems with regular firmware and software updates, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication. As Franco notes, “You try to protect yourself and meanwhile you are exposing yourself.”