The dangers of combining cyber and physical attacks

Source: The post the dangers of combining cyber and physical attacks has been created, based on the article “Pager attack in Lebanon: Can nations be allowed to cause violence and death using digital techniques?” published in “Indian Express” on 21st September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security-cyber security

Context: The article discusses recent attacks in Lebanon where Hezbollah’s pagers and radios exploded, killing and injuring many. It highlights the dangers of combining cyber and physical attacks, the complexity of supply chains, and the urgent need for international regulations against such threats.

For detailed information on Cyber-attacks and Cyber Security in India read this article here

What Happened in the Attacks?

1. On September 17, Hezbollah’s pagers exploded across Lebanon, killing nine and injuring nearly 3,000 people, including fighters and Iran’s envoy to Beirut.
2. The following day, attacks targeted handheld radios, cellphones, and laptops, causing 20 deaths and over 450 injuries.
3. The pagers, sourced from Gold Apollo, and radios from Icom had explosives planted near their batteries, remotely triggered.
4. These attacks, suspected to be by Israeli agencies, echo Israel’s 2010 Stuxnet virus attack on Iran’s nuclear program.

What Are the Broader Implications?

1. Supply Chain Vulnerability: The attacks show how digital devices sourced globally can be compromised. For example, pagers from Taiwan’s Gold Apollo and radios from Japan’s Icom were used. The complex technology supply chain across countries increases risks of hidden sabotage.
2. Cyber-Physical Attacks: These incidents combine cyber and physical attacks, where remotely triggered explosives caused massive harm. They highlight a worrying trend in modern warfare that targets digital infrastructure.
3. Threat to Critical Infrastructure: Similar methods could be used to disrupt emergency services or essential infrastructure, causing chaos and loss of life.

What Are the International Responses?

1. UN-backed group finalized the draft UN Convention against Cybercrime in August this year, aiming to curb cyber attacks globally.
2. The convention emphasizes that nations should avoid launching cyber attacks and prevent their soil from being used for such activities.
3. This effort follows the 2021 UN report by the Group of Governmental Experts, calling for responsible behavior in cyberspace.

Question for practice:

Examine how the recent attacks in Lebanon highlight the vulnerabilities in global supply chains and the growing threat of cyber-physical attacks.