- The global community is aware of how the cutting-edge technologies unearthed in recent times have become handy tools in the hands of enterprising people – both in the government as well as anti-social elements – to harness common benefits or inflict targeted damages. Any tool, equipment, solution, or invention is akin to a double-edged sword that could be used or misused as per the thought processes of the individual/group/entity/organization or for that matter government agencies. Such has been the technological prowess wielded by enterprising entities around the world that new methodologies are put to good use in the fast-changing military complex too, what with some of the most advanced technologies coming into the fore.
PC: Pew Research Center
- We are aware of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the emerging uncomfortable standoff between the Iran-backed Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel in recent times. Note that whatever significant advancements are achieved in the technological front vis-à-vis military inventory(s) and supercharged spying, there is no denying the fact that human intelligence always plays a crucial and defining role. The world witnessed recently how booby-trapped devices exploded in Lebanon. And this is nothing new for those following the intricately complex spy world/network. Nonetheless, even seasoned espionage agencies are shaken and stirred by the weaponization of supply chains in Lebanon’s exploding pager and walkie-talkie attacks.
- It is abundantly clear that the vulnerability of supply chains – compromising hardware or software at source – has long been flagged in threat assessments, especially when supply chains include rival nations. A terribly successful first, the Lebanon attacks were but a demonstration of the extent of harm and synchronicity that can be in-built into devices. It is barely disputed that the attack has Mossad’s stamp. Satcom, cyber tech, and advanced surveillance networks have taken the art and science of espionage to levels almost indecipherable for those not fed on a diet of spy thrillers. Even the literature on the genre, of deception and manipulation, infiltration, and ciphers of dad drops and dead men, cyberspies have evolved with the changing nature of spying.
PC: Human Rights watch
- As experts aver, spying remains mostly boring work, poring over tonnes of info, far removed from the glamour of romance of very early spy tales which abound with tales. But here’s the thing. Successful attacks make news, while the novels, stores, and reels deal mostly with thwarting plans and attacks. Thus, the Lebanon attack, long in the making for those closely following the unearthing of the unpleasant situation, came just two weeks before the first anniversary of the Oct 7 Hamas attack – that the renowned and much-feted Israeli intelligence spectacularly missed. All the spook-gadgetry in the world can come to naught if human intelligence cannot make sense of the chatter. Yes, having a time-tested ears-to-the-ground approach with a meticulously cultivated network will be handy any day.
