Tehran became a ‘digital battlefield’, Khamenei’s location found by hacking thousands of cameras?

New Delhi: After the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a big question has arisen at the international level. After all, how did America and Israel hit such a precise target? How was action taken after obtaining accurate information about the activities of the top leadership?

A detailed report by the Financial Times claims that Israel made deep inroads into Tehran’s traffic camera systems and mobile networks for several years. The purpose of this digital intrusion was to keep a close watch on every activity of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his security circle.

Surveillance network on Tehran’s cameras

According to the report, most of the traffic cameras in Tehran were under Israeli surveillance. The footage from the cameras was encrypted and sent out of the city. Through this, the entire pattern of movement was created – who left when, with whom and which route was taken, every activity was recorded.

This surveillance was not limited to cameras only. Mobile network data was also accessed, through which detailed information about the movement and activities of security personnel could be gathered.

How did the operation go?

It has been told that this was not a short-term mission, but a long and well-planned process. Israeli intelligence unit 8200 and Mossad made deep penetration into the technical infrastructure.

Live camera feeds were accessed and combined with mobile network data. From this it was understood where the bodyguards park their vehicles, at what time the guards change and through which routes the movement takes place. Gradually a “pattern of life” was created – a complete digital map of everyday activities.

When CCTV became a weapon of surveillance

Today, CCTV cameras installed in cities are no longer just for traffic control. If someone breaks into the system, these cameras can become powerful surveillance tools. The report said that the footage was transferred directly to an external server, so that the data was not confined within the city.

Through infiltration into the mobile network, it was found out which phone was active at which location. This brought the security movement to the fore more clearly.

This is how an action plan was made

The report claims that after gathering sufficient information, a precise action plan was prepared. Further strategy was decided after analyzing the shortcomings in location, timing and security.

Although these claims have not been officially confirmed, it is clear that digital surveillance played an important role in this entire incident.

New era of digital war

Experts believe that modern war is no longer limited to land or sky only. Digital system has become a new battlefield. Cameras, mobile networks and the Internet are now potential targets.

Countries which are strong in cyber capability can achieve strategic advantage even without conventional weapons.

Are city cameras safe?

Amidst the already ongoing tension in the Middle East, this development points towards a new kind of war. If the infrastructure of a city becomes the medium of surveillance, then it shows the seriousness of cyber warfare.

This report has raised many questions – are the cameras in cities completely safe? Are mobile networks impenetrable? And will such digital operations become common in the future?