Are mobile phones the target of cyberattacks? Are we carrying a 'bomb' in our pockets?

Following Israel's attacks on Hezbollah via pagers, the reliability of technological devices has become a subject of debate. Evaluating Israel's cyberattack, Prof. Dr. Naim Mahmood Musleh Ajlouni stated that such an attack could only be possible if detailed information about the device, such as IP and MAC addresses, were known.

While there is curiosity about whether such attacks are possible via smart devices like mobile phones, Prof. Dr. Ajlouni, a faculty member in the Software Engineering Department at Istanbul Atlas University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, provided detailed information on the subject.

HOW WAS THE CYBERATTACK ON PAGERS POSSIBLE?

Recalling that telecommunications infrastructure was disrupted as a result of a cyberattack on Lebanon in 2020, Prof. Dr. Ajlouni said:

'Technically, the requirements to carry out the latest attack are as follows: A software system that controls and monitors all messaging and critical alarms, access to the IP or MAC address of one or more pagers on the network, and a user who intentionally or unintentionally compromises security, or an insider trusted by the attackers.'

Evaluating the possibility of the attack being carried out via cyber means or by placing explosives in the pagers, Prof. Dr. Naim Mahmood Musleh Ajlouni used the following expressions:

'I think it must be a combination of both; these explosives were already placed in the devices to be used later. In this case, the attacker not only has the explosives but also has all the technical details of the devices, including the MAC and IP addresses of all the devices.'

MILITARY SYSTEMS UNDER THREAT OF CYBERATTACK

Stating that digital warfare or cyber warfare is not only possible today but has also become a critical component of modern conflicts, Ajlouni continued his words as follows:

'Given technological advancements and the increasing dependence on digital infrastructure, the concept of cyber warfare has evolved significantly. Many countries have developed offensive and defensive cyber capabilities as part of their military arsenals. These cyber forces can launch attacks on an enemy's critical infrastructure, such as power grids, financial systems, communication networks, and military systems.'

'The digital battlefield and critical infrastructure are being targeted. During a digital war, spreading disinformation and fake news through social media or other online platforms can cause confusion and distrust.'

'Artificial intelligence can scan for vulnerabilities to avoid detection by cybersecurity defenses, launch large-scale phishing attacks, or rapidly mutate malware. Cyberattacks can manipulate AI-driven military systems or cause strategic failures.'

CAN EXPLOSIVES BE PLACED IN EVERY PHONE?

Clarifying whether technological devices such as smartphones and computers could be the target of these and similar attacks, Professor Ajlouni from Istanbul added the following to his words:

'To carry out an attack of this scale, detailed information about mobile devices, such as IP and MAC addresses, is required. With this information, the most that can be achieved is extracting data, tracking a specific user, or possibly intercepting their communications. However, the idea of weaponizing a device as in the attack on Hezbollah is not realistic.'

'It is not possible to include explosive devices in all mobile phones that can be triggered remotely. Furthermore, telecommunications companies are strictly monitored by both internal and external auditors, including government agencies, to protect users. Therefore, as a final conclusion, there is no significant risk associated with mobile phone usage.'