Reports have confirmed that Iranian cyber operatives are actively hacking into internet-connected security cameras across Israel to gather real-time intelligence. This tactic has become particularly prominent amid recent military escalations, with Iranian hackers leveraging compromised cameras to assess missile strike impacts, monitor troop movements, and identify sensitive locations—even as Israel enforces a strict media blackout on such information.
How Iran Exploits Security Cameras
Iranian hackers focus on private and public cameras—such as those in homes, businesses, and public spaces—that are poorly secured, often left with factory-set or weak passwords. By accessing live feeds, Iran can immediately evaluate the results of missile strikes, adjust targeting for future attacks, and monitor Israeli military and civilian activity. With Israeli authorities restricting the dissemination of images from attack sites, Iran uses hacked cameras to fill intelligence gaps that would otherwise be closed by official censorship.
Consequences and Risks
Cameras intended for personal or community safety—such as those on farms, homes, and near kindergartens—have inadvertently exposed military movements and sensitive infrastructure. Tens of thousands of cameras in Israel reportedly still use default passwords, making them easy targets for remote hacking.
This tactic is not unique to Iran. Similar methods have been used by Hamas before the October 2023 attacks on Israel, and by Russia in Ukraine to track troop and material movements and adjust airstrikes in real time.
Expert Warnings and Recommendations
Israeli cybersecurity officials have publicly advised citizens to turn off their cameras or at least change their passwords to prevent exploitation. Experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, updating firmware, and choosing higher-end camera systems with robust security features. Security professionals stress that all internet-connected cameras should be presumed vulnerable and treated as potential intelligence risks in conflict zones.
