Russia hacked cameras near NATO bases to monitor Ukraine arms: Report

Russian intelligence has been spying on NATO military bases by hacking civilian internet-connected cameras, Dutch intelligence services revealed in a joint investigation. The domestic security (AIVD) and military intelligence (MIVD) agencies uncovered a "large-scale Russian operation" targeting cameras along military transport routes in European NATO member states, including the Netherlands and Ukraine.

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large-scale Russian operation

Many compromised devices lacked basic security, such as default passwords, outdated firmware, and standard factory configurations. Hackers used readily available apps to scan for and infiltrate these cameras. This tactic is becoming increasingly common in modern warfare, offering a cheaper and easier alternative to drones or satellites. Ground-based cameras provide a unique perspective that aerial intelligence cannot match.

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Our thoughts at this time are with both victims and their loved ones, who are being supported by specialist officers.

Ukrainian hackers have also used hijacked Russian surveillance cameras to monitor troop movements and direct strikes. Similarly, Israeli spies and the CIA reportedly infiltrated camera networks in Tehran to track a former Supreme Leader before launching strikes. The Dutch authorities have warned organizations with cameras on these routes to take action, advising them to update software, change default passwords, and review device configurations.

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Our enquiries are in the early stages but we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the public. However, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything or who has any information that could assist our investigation.

The alert follows Dutch authorities dismantling infrastructure linked to pro-Russian cyber operations by seizing 800 servers from two hosting providers allegedly used to support attacks across Europe.

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We know this incident will have caused significant concern in the community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.