--- title: "Hacked surveillance cameras: how Russia tracked NATO military supplies to Ukraine" description: "πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Russia used hacked surveillance cameras to spy on NATO military bases and weapon supplies to Ukraine. Dutch intelligence confirmed a large-scale operation affecting several countries. πŸ“ΈπŸ’» #cybersecurity #intelligence #NATO" date: 2026-07-11T00:16:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/hacked-surveillance-cameras-how-russia-tracked-nato-military-supplies-to-ukraine tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Hacked surveillance cameras: how Russia tracked NATO military supplies to Ukraine ![Hacker at a computer with a Russian flag in the background, symbolizing the hacking of surveillance cameras to track NATO military supplies to Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/11/vzlokkannye-kamery-nablyudeniya-kak-rossiya-otslazhivala-voennye-postavki-nato-v-ukraine/vzlokkannye-kamery-nablyudeniya-kak-rossiya-otslazhivala-voennye-postavki-nato-v-ukraine-1.webp) Russian intelligence services exploited vulnerabilities in video surveillance systems to spy on NATO military bases and weapon delivery routes to Ukraine. This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing Dutch intelligence and data from The Telegraph. ### Large-scale operation via civilian devices A joint investigation by the Netherlands' General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and its military intelligence revealed that hackers linked to the Kremlin gained remote access to IP cameras installed along transport arteries. The main objective of the operation was to monitor the movement of military equipment being sent to Kyiv. The agencies described the incident as a large-scale Russian operation affecting not only Ukraine but also NATO member countries, including the Netherlands. Organizations whose cameras were installed on critical routes have already received warnings and can take measures to protect their data. ### Vulnerability of "smart" devices The attack is based on the mass proliferation of IP cameras β€” devices with internet access. Their popularity in recent years is due to the low cost of Chinese imports and the development of broadband connectivity. Most often, these are intercom systems and cameras for monitoring private property, which owners control via smartphones. According to Dutch intelligence, many of these cameras were insufficiently protected: they often operate with default passwords, outdated software, and standard settings. This makes them easy targets for malicious actors capable of identifying the device and gaining access to it via the internet. ### The new reality of modern warfare Hacking surveillance cameras has become a common practice in modern conflicts. Virtually any device installed on the street, at home, or in a business center can be used to gather intelligence. This method is considered cheaper and simpler than using drones or satellites and provides an element of surprise β€” most owners do not even suspect that their cameras have been compromised. Ground-based cameras provide a unique perspective of the terrain, unavailable to aerial reconnaissance, allowing for detailed data on vehicle movement and activity at specific sites. ### Context of cyberattacks against Ukraine and Europe This is not the only operation by Russian hackers in the region. Previously, it was reported that they hacked the emails of British officials, with access to correspondence being sold on darknet forums. Furthermore, the Google Threat Intelligence Group discovered a new spyware backdoor, STOCKSTAY, created by the Turla group to attack military and government institutions in Ukraine, as well as European diplomatic missions. The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the FBI, also exposed systematic attempts by Russian intelligence services to hack the messengers of officials in Ukraine, Europe, and the US. These actions demonstrate the growing role of cyberspace as a new front in modern conflicts.