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The Impact of Cyber Cameras on the Intelligence Community

The ability to covertly access and manipulate cyber cameras could provide valuable strategic data for the US intelligence community.

The global arena has become a surveillance state as public spaces are littered with surveillance cameras and individuals are consumed with personal electronic devices, most of which have embedded cameras. The number of security surveillance systems has increased primarily for criminal deterrence and to assist law enforcement agencies.

Utilizing surveillance technology in the international arena for intelligence collection has significant implications for US national security and may provide increased access to denied areas. The expansion of this technology to surveillance systems and personal electronic devices has the potential to provide a treasure trove of information that may provide critical pieces to a complex intelligence puzzle.

It is already known that open source media and photo trawling of the internet can provide valuable intelligence on weapon systems. For example, Chinese military enthusiasts routinely post photos of new Chinese aircraft and armored vehicles on websites. This type of open source information has provided the United States (US) with valuable intelligence, but what if the Intelligence Community (IC) could take this technology to the next level and intercept surveillance video or manipulate personal electronic devices to collect camera photographs or digital video unbeknownst to the owner?

With simple technology, analysts can take numerous images from different sources, primarily cyber cameras, and create a mosaic of a denied area. Additionally, software exists that can remove people or objects from the image mosaic, thus providing a clear picture of the scene or the people. Further, people of interest may be identified through facial recognition software. Internet searches with facial recognition software for selected individuals can build a pattern of life and a network of associates that can then be identified and mapped. After identifying individuals with intelligence value through social media, geo-location, and social networking, intelligence officers could covertly manipulate their personal electronic devices to provide data such as imagery, voice, and location.

In the foreign intelligence realm, the ability to remotely turn on cyber cameras has great intelligence and surveillance potential. Hackers have already demonstrated this capability; however, when conducted for national security and intelligence collection, it can prove to be a valuable tool. Imagine turning on a terrorist’s cell phone camera. This data could provide real time location data as well as interior imagery of buildings that may provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) with floor plans before a raid. It also could provide access to other restricted areas, such as an adversary’s nuclear research center or defense industry. Again, by simply identifying individuals based upon their intelligence value through social media, geo-location, and social networking, their own personal electronic devices could be manipulated to provide data such as imagery, voice, and location data without the owner being knowledgeable.

Covertly manipulating cyber cameras could allow access to denied areas, most notably into buildings, where overt ISR methods cannot collect. This can also provide ground truth into foreign government buildings and research facilities. For example, confirming suspicious activity related to weaponization inside an adversary nation’s nuclear power plants or research site. Alternately, we could collect intelligence on individuals associated with locations of interest and use facial recognition to identify them. This could be done using security and maintenance cameras or open source information on the internet.

Individual social networks can also be mapped and have potential for tracking other enemies of the state. When data is transmitted through wireless and other networks it can be intercepted. Restricted sites may ban cameras; however, they may have vulnerabilities because security and maintenance cameras are connected to the cyber domain and could be exploited. Of note, the cyber infrastructure or reliance on technology by a country may limit the ability to collect intelligence. For example, North Korea, with its limited cyber connectivity, may not be ideally suited for this method of collection.

This work was done by Richard S. Ratanamalaya for the Air Command and Staff College, Air University. AFRL-0284

Topics:
Aerospace Cameras Connectivity Consumer electronics Cybersecurity Data Acquisition Data Acquisition Data acquisition and handling Defense industry Design Electronic equipment Electronics & Computers Imaging Imaging and visualization Optics Software Surveillance
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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The Impact of Cyber Cameras on the Intelligence Community

(reference AFRL-0284) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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    This article first appeared in the February, 2020 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine (Vol. 5 No. 1).

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    Overview

    The document examines the role of personal electronic devices, particularly those equipped with cameras, in the context of intelligence collection and national security. It highlights the increasing integration of technology into the Intelligence Community (IC) and the challenges posed by the vast amounts of data generated by these devices.

    The paper begins by discussing how personal electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have become ubiquitous and are often equipped with cameras that can be exploited for intelligence purposes. It emphasizes the potential of these devices to provide valuable information, especially in denied areas where traditional intelligence-gathering methods may be limited. The use of surveillance technology, including public and private cameras, is also explored, illustrating its effectiveness in criminal justice and its implications for intelligence operations.

    A significant focus of the document is on the challenges associated with the overwhelming volume of data generated, often referred to as "Big Data." The paper explains that the exponential growth of data, driven by digital processes and social media exchanges, creates difficulties for analysts in filtering and extracting meaningful insights. The need for advanced processing power and analytical tools is underscored, as traditional methods may not suffice to manage the sheer scale of information available.

    Legal and ethical considerations are also addressed, particularly regarding domestic surveillance and the restrictions placed on intelligence agencies. The document distinguishes between international intelligence collection and domestic surveillance, noting that federal law enforcement agencies are responsible for operations within the U.S. This distinction is crucial for understanding the legal framework governing intelligence activities.

    The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing effective information triage tools to assist analysts in sorting through the vast amounts of data. It suggests that while personal electronic devices present significant opportunities for intelligence collection, they also pose challenges that must be navigated carefully to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

    Overall, the document provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between personal electronic devices, data collection, and intelligence operations, highlighting both the potential benefits and the complexities involved in leveraging technology for national security.

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