Old-School Pagers, New-School Cyber Attack: What We Can Learn

I recently read news about Old-School Pagers Exploding in Lebanon.

In today’s post, we will dive into a recent incident that’s making waves in the cybersecurity world and what it teaches us: the coordinated pager attack in Lebanon.

On September 17, 2024, a coordinated attack in Lebanon involved pagers used by Hezbollah. These pagers had small explosives planted in them before they arrived in Lebanon. The pagers exploded when they received a message that looked like it was from Hezbollah’s leadership but was actually a trigger for the explosives. The sophisticated attack targeted Hezbollah’s communication method, which had been restricted to avoid surveillance.

Source: (Frenkel, Sheera, and Ronen Bergman. "Israel Planted Explosives in Pagers Sold to Hezbollah, Officials Say." The New York Times, 17 Sept. 2024, www.nytimes.com.)

But why is this considered a cyber attack?

Recent reports classify the pager explosions in Lebanon as a cyber attack because of the technical methods used. In this incident, small explosives were secretly placed inside pagers. These pagers were then remotely “triggered” to explode by a message sent to them. In short, instead of being a regular message, this one was designed to activate the hidden explosives inside the pagers. When the pagers received and processed the message, it triggered the explosives to detonate. This combination of using electronic devices to control physical outcomes is a key aspect of what makes it a cyber attack. It shows how technology can be manipulated in advanced ways, blending digital communication with physical damage. It is not a secret that cyber attacks have frequently been involved in political conflicts. So, even though the result was a physical explosion, the method used—manipulating electronic devices and remote triggering—fits the modern definition of a cyber attack. It’s a blend of tech and tactics aimed at causing disruption and harm.

Isn’t it just crazy how old pagers caused so much physical harm?

The reason I touched on this topic is not only to teach you what can be done with the technology we have today, but also to remind you that it’s important to reflect on the responsible use of powerful tools and skills. The recent incident with the pagers shows how technology, when misused, can cause real harm. While advancements in tech offer incredible opportunities, they also come with responsibilities. It’s crucial that we use our skills and knowledge for positive purposes, rather than letting them be exploited to harm others. As we learn more about technology, let’s focus on using it to build, create, and improve lives, not to destroy.

Stay cyber-safe,

Polina