The Netherlands Intelligence Community: Technology Makes Life More Convenient, But Also Makes Enemies More Convenient
According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, a joint investigation by Dutch intelligence agencies (AIVD and MIVD) has revealed that Russian hackers have been using internet-connected home surveillance cameras (IP cameras) to monitor NATO military bases and transport routes, in order to track the types of weapons being delivered to Ukraine by allied nations. The targeted devices span European NATO member states—including the Netherlands—as well as Ukraine.
The investigation found that hackers used publicly available tools to search for poorly protected devices. Most of these cameras had vulnerabilities such as default passwords, outdated software, and misconfigurations, making them relatively easy to breach. Compromised devices included doorbell cameras, with owners often remaining completely unaware.
The Dutch authorities have issued warnings to relevant organizations along affected supply lines. Dutch intelligence emphasized that collecting intelligence via ground-level cameras has become a standard tactic in modern warfare—cheaper than satellites or drones, and capable of providing unique perspectives unattainable through aerial reconnaissance. Previously, Ukrainian hackers also infiltrated Russian cameras to track Russian troop movements and calibrate long-range strikes, including the first use of an unmanned underwater vehicle to attack a Russian submarine base in Novorossiysk port.
Experts stress that any public or private camera could potentially be exploited, and owners are often completely unaware of this risk.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870375159367680/
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