Israel’s cybersecurity authorities have disclosed that Iranian hackers have infiltrated numerous security camera systems across the country, conducting espionage activities since the onset of the recent Middle East conflict. The Israeli Cyber Directorate announced that it has detected “dozens” of breaches targeting surveillance devices, emphasizing the critical need for the public to remain alert and take immediate steps to safeguard their digital infrastructure.
In a public advisory issued on Monday, the Cyber Directorate urged owners of security cameras to promptly change their passwords and ensure their software is up to date to mitigate potential risks. These measures are vital not only to protect personal privacy but also to prevent national security threats, as the compromised cameras could provide adversaries with sensitive visual intelligence. The directorate is actively reaching out to hundreds of camera owners to notify them about these intrusions and to assist in reinforcing their cybersecurity defenses.
This revelation comes amid a backdrop of escalating cyber hostilities between Iran and Israel, which have intensified over recent years. The two nations have been engaged in a covert digital conflict that escalated into overt military confrontations last June and again on February 28 of this year. Cyberattacks have become a central component of this shadow war, with both sides targeting critical infrastructure and government officials to gain strategic advantages.
Highlighting the personal dimension of these cyber threats, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett disclosed in December 2025 that his Telegram account was compromised in a targeted cyberattack. Hackers claimed to have accessed his phone, subsequently leaking private messages, videos, and photographs on platforms associated with pro-Palestinian symbolism, including a hacker site named after “Handala,” a figure representing Palestinian resistance. Bennett, who is expected to challenge current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming general election, has since become a prominent example of how cyber warfare extends beyond state institutions to impact individual leaders.
Cybersecurity experts note that Iranian-linked hacker groups have significantly ramped up their operations in the region since the conflict intensified. Israeli firm Check Point, a leading authority in cyber intelligence, reported a surge in unauthorized access to surveillance cameras following the US-Israeli military offensive launched on February 28. These cameras, widely deployed but often lacking robust security protocols, have become prime targets for hackers seeking real-time visual data.
Gil Messing, head of cyberintelligence at Check Point, explained that the footage obtained through these breaches likely serves multiple strategic purposes. It helps Iranian hackers assess the extent of damage caused by Israeli strikes and gather detailed information on the routines and locations of targeted individuals or facilities. Messing further clarified that these cyber operatives are closely linked to Iran’s military apparatus, receiving substantial support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, underscoring the state-sponsored nature of these cyber campaigns.
Adding to the complexity of this cyber conflict, reports surfaced last week revealing that Israel had successfully infiltrated nearly all of Tehran’s traffic camera network over several years. This extensive surveillance operation was reportedly conducted in preparation for the high-profile strike that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the recent offensive. Such revelations highlight the deep cyber espionage capabilities employed by both sides in this ongoing confrontation.
As tensions continue to escalate, the battle for control over digital and physical intelligence assets remains a critical front in the broader geopolitical struggle between Israel and Iran. The recent disclosures serve as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare, where cyber operations can have tangible impacts on national security and civilian life alike. Israeli authorities continue to urge vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures among the public to counter these persistent threats.
