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Pagers and walkie-talkies over cellphones – a security expert explains why Hezbollah went low-tech for communications
The synchronized explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon in 2024 targeted Hezbollah, demonstrating the vulnerabilities and tracking capabilities of communication devices.
Richard Forno, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Electronic pagers across Lebanon exploded simultaneously on Sept. 17, 2024, killing 12 and wounding more than 2,700. The following day, another wave of explosions in the country came from detonating walkie-talkies. The attacks appeared to target members of the militant group Hezbollah.
The pagers attack involved explosives planted in the communications devices by Israeli operatives, according to U.S. officials cited by The New York Times. Hezbollah had recently ordered a shipment of pagers, according to the report.
Secretly attacking the supply chain is not a new technique in intelligence and military operations. For example, the U.S. National Security Agency intercepted computer hardware bound for overseas customers, inserted malware or other surveillance tools and then repackaged them for delivery to certain foreign buyers, a 2010 NSA internal document showed. This differs from accessing a specific person’s device, such as when Israel’s Shin Bet secretly inserted explosives into a cellphone to remotely kill a Hamas bombmaker in 1996.
Hezbollah, a longtime adversary of Israel, had increased its use of pagers in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. By shifting to relatively low-tech communication devices, including pagers and walkie-talkies, Hezbollah apparently sought an advantage against Israel’s well-known sophistication in tracking targets through their phones.
Cellphones: The ultimate tracker
As a former cybersecurity professional and current security researcher, I view cellular devices as the ultimate tracking tool for both government and commercial entities – in addition to users, criminals and the mobile phone provider itself. As a result, mobile phone tracking has contributed to the fight against terrorism, located missing people and helped solve crimes.
Conversely, mobile phone tracking makes it easy for anyone to record a person’s most intimate movements. This can be done for legitimate purposes such as parents tracking children’s movements, helping you find your car in a parking lot, and commercial advertising, or nefarious ends such as remotely spying on a lover suspected of cheating or tracking political activists and journalists. Even the U.S. military remains concerned with how its soldiers might be tracked by their phones.
Mobile device tracking is conducted in several ways. First, there is the network location data generated by the phone as it moves past local cell towers or Stingray devices, which law enforcement agencies use to mimic cell towers. Then there are the features built into the phone’s operating system or enabled by downloaded apps that may lead to highly detailed user tracking, which users unwittingly agree to by ignoring the software’s privacy policy or terms of service.
This collected data is sometimes sold to governments or other companies for additional data mining and user profiling. And modern smartphones also have built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities that can help with locating and tracking user movements around the world, both from the ground and via satellites. https://www.youtube.com/embed/CxC1KCoGbIM?wmode=transparent&start=0 Your phone contains many sensors that make it useful – and easy to track.
Mobile devices can be tracked in real time or close to it. Common technical methods include traditional radio direction-finding techniques, using intelligence satellites or drones, deploying “man in the middle” tools like Stingrays to impersonate cellular towers to intercept and isolate device traffic, or installing malware such as Pegasus, made by Israeli cyberarms company NSO to report a device’s location.
Nontechnical and slower techniques of user tracking include potentially identifying general user locations from their internet activity. This can be done from website logs or the metadata contained in content posted to social media, or contracting with data brokers to receive any collected location data from the apps that a user might install on their device.
Indeed, because of these vulnerabilities, the leader of Hezbollah earlier this year advised his members to avoid using cellular phones in their activities, noting that Israel’s “surveillance devices are in your pockets. If you are looking for the Israeli agent, look at the phone in your hands and those of your wives and children.”
Researchers have shown how these features, often intended for the user’s convenience, can be used by governments, companies and criminals to track people in their daily lives and even predict movements. Many people still aren’t aware of how much their mobile devices disclose about them.
Pagers, however, unlike mobile phones, can be harder to track depending on whether they support two-way communication.
Why go low-tech
A pager that only receives messages does not provide a signal that can facilitate tracking its owner. Therefore, Hezbollah’s use of pagers likely made it more challenging to track their operatives – thus motivating Israeli intelligence services’ purported attack on the supply chain of Hezbollah’s pagers.
Using low-tech tactics and personal couriers while avoiding the use of mobile phones and digital tools also made it difficult for the technologically superior Western intelligence agencies to locate Osama bin Laden for years after the 9/11 attacks.
In general, I believe the adversary in an asymmetric conflict using low-tech techniques, tactics and technology will almost always be able to operate successfully against a more powerful and well-funded opponent.
A well-documented demonstration of this asymmetry in action was the U.S. military’s Millennium Challenge war game in 2002. Among other things, the insurgent Red forces, led by Marine General Paul van Riper, used low-tech tactics including motorcycle couriers instead of cellphones to evade the Blue forces’ high-tech surveillance. In the initial run of the exercise, the Red team won the contest in 24 hours, forcing exercise planners to controversially reset and update the scenario to ensure a Blue team victory.
Lessons for everyone
The preference for terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and al-Qaida to avoid using smartphones is a reminder for everyone that you can be, and likely are being tracked in various ways and for various purposes.
Israel’s purported response to Hezbollah’s actions also holds a lesson for everyone. From a cybersecurity perspective, it shows that any device in your life can be tampered with by an adversary at points along the supply chain – long before you even receive it.
Richard Forno, Principal Lecturer in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, October arrives as a powerful reminder of resilience and awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness; it’s about action, education, and community support. With over 360,000 people projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. in 2024, this month serves as a crucial time to reflect on the impact of this disease and the importance of early detection.
The Statistics Behind the Cause
Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men in the United States. This staggering statistic highlights the urgency to be proactive. However, there is hope. Thanks to advancements in medical technology and research, early detection methods have improved significantly. When breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is an impressive 99%. This underscores the importance of regular screenings, self-examinations, and awareness campaigns like those organized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Among the many important dates in October, October 13 stands out as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), which occurs when breast cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is crucial to recognize that while advancements have been made, MBC remains a significant challenge within the breast cancer community. This day serves as a reminder that we must advocate for more research, better treatments, and comprehensive support for those living with this stage of breast cancer.
The Role of the National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. (NBCF) plays a vital role in this month-long awareness initiative. Their mission, “Helping Women Now®,” focuses on providing education, support, and resources to women and families affected by breast cancer. With a commitment to early detection, NBCF encourages individuals to act, reminding us that being proactive can save lives. Whether through scheduling mammograms, performing self-exams, or simply spreading awareness, every action counts.
The Importance of Community Support
Breast cancer is not just a statistic; it affects real lives, families, and communities. Throughout October, communities come together to support those impacted by breast cancer. From fundraising events to educational seminars, the collective efforts aim to foster a sense of camaraderie and hope. It’s a time to remind those suffering that they are not alone in their journey.
Participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month can take many forms, whether it’s wearing pink, sharing stories on social media, or advocating for breast cancer research. Each act of kindness and awareness helps to amplify the message and promote a culture of support and understanding.
Taking Action
As we move through October, let us not forget the importance of taking action. Schedule a mammogram, perform a self-exam, and encourage friends and family to do the same. Educate yourself about the signs of breast cancer and stay informed about the latest advancements in treatment and support.
October is a month of awareness, hope, and action. By shining a light on breast cancer and recognizing specific awareness days like Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, we can foster a community that supports those affected and works towards a future where breast cancer no longer holds the same fear it does today. Let’s come together to make a difference—because every action counts in the fight against breast cancer.
For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how you can get involved, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website at NBCF. Together, we can help raise awareness and support those in need.
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https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
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Widespread Verizon Outages Leave Customers in SOS Mode Nationwide
Verizon OutageVerizon customers across the U.S. faced major service disruptions, with over 100,000 outages reported. Phones reverted to SOS mode, affecting calls and Wi-Fi services. Restoration is ongoing.
Verizon customers across the United States are grappling with significant service disruptions this morning. Reports have flooded in that mobile phones are stuck in SOS mode, indicating a lack of connectivity. As of 10:11 a.m. ET, over 100,000 outages were logged with DownDetector, a real-time service tracker that monitors telecommunication issues nationwide.
Verizon Outages
The outage began around 9 a.m. ET, with customers from New York to Los Angeles experiencing inability to make phone calls or access the network. On social media platforms, disgruntled users have been vocal about the situation, with many demanding compensation for the service disruption.
One frustrated customer took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfaction: “It’s been over two hours and we don’t even know why this is happening. We all pay a pretty penny for our Verizon bill, and this time should be compensated until the issue is fully resolved.”
What we know
Reports have cited that while users can’t access standard mobile services, their phones have reverted to SOS mode—rendering them unable to make calls. A customer from Ohio shared their experience: “SOS in Ohio since mid-morning. Was working on my drive into work, but went down several hours ago and hasn’t come back.”
In an emailed statement to CBS MoneyWatch, a Verizon spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating, “We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.”
As the disruptions persist, issues are being noted across various devices, affecting both iPhone and Android users. The outages have also disrupted Wi-Fi calling services, which typically serve as an alternative connectivity method. As of 5:48 p.m. ET, Verizon announced that service restoration efforts were underway and gradually making progress, but customers are still experiencing challenges.
This marks a significant incident in a landscape where communication reliability is essential, and customers are left wondering about the cause of the outage. With many turning to social media to voice their concerns and seek resolutions, the call for timely updates from Verizon is clear.
The situation remains fluid, and Verizon customers are encouraged to stay informed as more information becomes available. If you’re experiencing issues with your Verizon service, let us know your experience in the comments below.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/verizon-outage-network-down-sos-mode-downdetector-map
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/verizon-outage-network-down-monday-september-30
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A Cautionary Tale: California’s New Digital Ownership Law and the Future of Gaming
California’s new law (AB 2426) aims to clarify digital ownership by prohibiting terms like “buy” for digital goods without clear warnings, emphasizing that we license rather than own them. Gaming Community
Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been buzzing around the gaming community since PC Gamer dropped the news about California’s new law (AB 2426) concerning digital ownership. As a lifelong gamer and someone who has always been a bit skeptical about the concept of “buying” digital games, this new legislation hits home for me.
Cautionary Tale for the Gaming Community
First, let’s break down what this law entails. Starting in 2025, retailers in California will be prohibited from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” when it comes to digital goods—think video games, movies, and e-books—unless they issue a clear warning that these products can be taken away at any moment. The law aims to clarify that “ownership” of digital items is not the same as owning a physical product.
Honestly, my first reaction to this was a mix of relief and frustration. Relief because, finally, someone is calling out the elephant in the room: when we buy digital games, we’re not truly buying them, are we? We’re essentially licensing them. Frustration, on the other hand, stems from the fact that it took this long for lawmakers to recognize this issue, especially after high-profile incidents involving companies like Sony and Ubisoft.
Let’s talk about the impetus for this law. It all started when Sony announced the removal of certain content from the PlayStation Store due to expiring licenses. Players who had “bought” these digital shows suddenly found themselves locked out of content they thought they owned. Sony eventually reversed its decision, but the damage was done, and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin decided it was time to step in.
Then came Ubisoft’s decision to pull the plug on The Crew, a racing game that became unplayable when its online servers were taken offline. Imagine investing your time and money into a game only to find out that you can’t even play the single-player mode anymore. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile our digital ownership really is.
The law itself might be dense and legalistic, but the implications are clear. It’s about time we start viewing digital purchases with a more critical lens. Sure, you can still play your games as long as the servers are up, but once those go down, what happens? You’re left with a beautiful box art in your library, but it’s just an empty shell.
The requirement for sellers to provide a warning or seek an “affirmative acknowledgment” from buyers seems like a step in the right direction. Yet, it feels more like a band-aid solution rather than a comprehensive fix. The real kicker for me is the provision that allows for a “permanent offline download” option. That’s what we need! A way to ensure that even if the digital landscape shifts, our ability to play isn’t stripped away overnight.
As gamers, we’ve been conditioned to accept the “always-online” model, but should we? This law is a wake-up call that reminds us to demand more from the companies we support. If I’m paying for a game, I want the assurance that I can keep playing it, regardless of server availability.
In conclusion, while California’s new law is a significant step forward in recognizing the nuances of digital ownership, it also highlights the ongoing battle between consumers and corporations. As we move toward an increasingly digital future, it’s crucial that we stay informed and advocate for our rights as gamers. After all, we deserve to know what we’re really “buying” when we hit that purchase button.
What are your thoughts on this new law? Do you feel more empowered as a consumer, or are you still worried about the future of digital gaming? Let’s chat in the comments!
Happy gaming, and remember to always read the fine print!
PC Gamer Article: New California law inspired by Ubisoft and Sony requires retailers to warn consumers that the digital games they buy can be taken away at any time
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