How Israel Used Legacy Tech For Electronic Warfare
Voice and Data|October 2024
The attack leveraged tampered pager tech, blending human intelligence with electronic warfare to enable kinetic use of Hezbollah's communication radio devices
LT COL SIDHARTH SHUKLA (RETD)
How Israel Used Legacy Tech For Electronic Warfare

In a covert operation that surprised military experts worldwide, Israel executed one of the most sophisticated retaliatory strikes in recent history. On 18 September 2024, approximately 5,000 pagers carried by senior and mid-level Hezbollah officials detonated simultaneously across Beirut, causing widespread casualties and confusion. This attack, following Hezbollah’s missile strikes on Northern Israel, highlights a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

But how did this happen? And, more importantly, what made the strike so effective?

BEYOND SIMPLE RETALIATION: A STRATEGIC APPROACH

This offensive was not simply a reaction to Hezbollah’s missile attack. It was the result of a meticulously planned operation, combining Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and Electronic Warfare (EW), executed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad.

To understand the brilliance of the operation, it is crucial to look at Hezbollah’s shift from modern mobile communications to older pager systems. Believed to be impervious to modern cyberattacks, pagers became the primary means for Hezbollah’s leadership to relay strategic information. However, this reliance on older technology—likely influenced by Mossad moles—became a vulnerability that Israel exploited.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW: LEGACY AND MODERN DEVICES

Pager devices, commonly known as beepers, were small telecommunication devices widely used before the proliferation of mobile phones, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. They were designed to send short messages or alerts and were often worn on the waist belt for convenience.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2024-Ausgabe von Voice and Data.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2024-Ausgabe von Voice and Data.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS VOICE AND DATAAlle anzeigen
Can OTTs stay away from telcos' stride?
Voice and Data

Can OTTs stay away from telcos' stride?

OTT, or Internet-based communications platforms, have been excluded from the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Can they continue to survive?

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Will Vodafone-Idea survive the AGR tempest?
Voice and Data

Will Vodafone-Idea survive the AGR tempest?

Telecom major Vi faces its greatest battle yet as it negotiates AGR dues with the Centre, a decision that could seal its fate in India's telecom industry

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
Linux in the hybrid cloud: Building with digital Lego blocks
Voice and Data

Linux in the hybrid cloud: Building with digital Lego blocks

Linux, the flexible backbone of the hybrid cloud, combines modularity, security, and cost-efficiency to power modern enterprises' digital transformation

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
October 2024
Cultivating the AI mind to think deeper
Voice and Data

Cultivating the AI mind to think deeper

With the o1 model, OpenAI brings AI closer to AGI by fostering deeper, reasoning-driven solutions for tackling complex problems with a new level of thoughtfulness

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
The flash mob of connectivity
Voice and Data

The flash mob of connectivity

Self-organising, solar-powered mesh networks bridge connectivity gaps, offering resilient, sustainable solutions for rural areas, industry, and disaster relief

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
FIXED BROADBAND: THE UNMATCHED BACKBONE OF A DIGITAL ECONOMY
Voice and Data

FIXED BROADBAND: THE UNMATCHED BACKBONE OF A DIGITAL ECONOMY

In a mobile-first world, FBB still delivers unmatched quality and greater capacity at lower costs, making it indispensable for India's digital growth ambitions

time-read
3 Minuten  |
October 2024
TELCOS TO TECHCOS: GEARING UP FOR A TECTONIC SHIFT
Voice and Data

TELCOS TO TECHCOS: GEARING UP FOR A TECTONIC SHIFT

Telcos are evolving into tech companies, embracing cloud, Al, and loT to unlock new revenue streams and reshape the future of digital services

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
"RedCap can play a critical role in shaping India's digital future"
Voice and Data

"RedCap can play a critical role in shaping India's digital future"

Airtel has conducted successful trials of RedCap devices in collaboration with Ericsson, demonstrating the technology's potential within our network.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
How Israel Used Legacy Tech For Electronic Warfare
Voice and Data

How Israel Used Legacy Tech For Electronic Warfare

The attack leveraged tampered pager tech, blending human intelligence with electronic warfare to enable kinetic use of Hezbollah's communication radio devices

time-read
6 Minuten  |
October 2024
"REDCAP CAN IGNITE A NEW ERA OF 5G INNOVATION"
Voice and Data

"REDCAP CAN IGNITE A NEW ERA OF 5G INNOVATION"

Extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) allows devices to enter a deep sleep state, only waking up when necessary to check for network updates

time-read
3 Minuten  |
October 2024