Agency raises alarm over CCTV network threats

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned state agencies to tackle the vulnerability of public CCTV and other critical infrastructure, avoiding potential risk from use by foreign intelligence to attack national security.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

AVM Amorn suggested Thai state agencies isolate sensitive surveillance networks from the internet.

AVM Amorn Chomchoey, secretary-general of the agency, posted on his Facebook page that foreign intelligence agencies had been able to access extensive traffic camera networks in Tehran, underscoring the growing national security risks posed by insecure surveillance infrastructure.

AVM Amorn cited a Financial Times interview with people familiar with the matter, stating that Israel hacked into ‘Tehran's extensive traffic camera network to track the bodyguards of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials.

He said this suggests Israeli intelligence accessed Tehran's traffic camera network for many years to create a “pattern of life” for Khamenei and his bodyguards.

If Thai state agencies do not want CCTV systems to become espionage tools against the country, they should isolate sensitive surveillance networks from the internet, said AVM Amorn.