Iranian Hackers Breach Israeli Security Cameras Near Lebanon Border

A civilian security camera installed in a chicken coop in northern Israel was hacked, potentially exposing security forces' movements near the Lebanon border. The owner realized something was amiss after noticing that the interface language in the application had switched to Arabic. He contacted the Israel National Cyber Directorate, which discovered that hackers had taken control of the camera.

The Wall Street Journal Investigation

The incident was revealed in an investigation published on Sunday by The Wall Street Journal, focusing on the use of civilian cameras for intelligence gathering during wartime. The camera in the coop, of Chinese manufacture, was hacked earlier this year during Israeli and American strikes in Iran. According to the investigation, the Israel National Cyber Directorate informed the newspaper that hacker groups linked to Iran breached more than 250 security-sensitive cameras in Israel throughout 2026. The targets included cameras located near strategic facilities, traffic routes, and areas where security forces operate.

"Iranian hacker groups breached more than 250 security-sensitive cameras in Israel throughout 2026, targeting strategic locations and traffic routes." — Israel National Cyber Directorate

Global Espionage via Consumer Cameras

This is not the first time civilian cameras in Israel have become a target. In December 2025, the head of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Yossi Kardi, revealed that Iranian hackers managed to access a street camera overlooking the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot prior to an Iranian missile strike on the institute in June of that year. However, it was not proven that the camera was used to direct the attack. The use of civilian cameras for intelligence gathering is not limited to Israel. According to previous reports, Israel also used hacked traffic cameras in Tehran to monitor senior Iranian officials as part of preparations to eliminate Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In Ukraine, hackers operating alongside the military took control of a camera in the Crimean Peninsula, tracked Russian helicopter movements, and assisted in locating an air base that was subsequently attacked.

According to estimates cited in the investigation, there are approximately 1.2 billion internet-connected cameras operating worldwide. While some are well-protected, others operate with weak passwords or outdated software, making them potential targets for hostile actors.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

The fact that the camera in the coop was of Chinese manufacture does not prove the manufacturing origin is connected to the breach. Nonetheless, the United States has imposed restrictions on surveillance equipment from certain Chinese manufacturers, including Hikvision and Dahua, due to security concerns. Part of the apprehension relates to China's National Intelligence Law, which obligates organizations to cooperate with the state's intelligence authorities.

For consumers, the crucial question is not only where the camera was manufactured, but who is responsible for its security. Experts recommend choosing a manufacturer that provides security updates, using a unique password, and enabling two-factor authentication when available. Cameras from non-Chinese manufacturers are equally vulnerable to breaches if not properly secured.