Authorities are conducting an audit of closed-circuit television (CCTV) feeds nationwide following the dismantling of a spy ring in Ghaziabad. The Intelligence Bureau reveals that the ISI has been using CCTV cameras extensively to access live feeds of critical areas. In Delhi and Mumbai, the audit will focus on areas where the ISI has been actively seeking information.
The ISI-backed spying networks in India have adopted the practice of gathering intelligence through CCTV cameras as a standard procedure. Members of the network were instructed to prioritize installing CCTV cameras at key locations like public offices, railway stations, and bus stands to acquire real-time footage for planning potential attacks. This method eliminates the need for physical reconnaissance of targets, as seen in the Mumbai 26/11 attack where David Headley conducted thorough surveillance visits.
Investigations have uncovered plans to install such cameras at approximately 60 locations in various parts of the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Jammu and Kashmir. The network avoids targeting high-security areas like army installations, focusing instead on places with lower security measures such as railway stations, bus stands, markets, and government offices. Recruitment within the network primarily targets women, minors, and individuals in their early 20s, often enticing them with monetary rewards.
The network’s recruitment strategy involves a significant emphasis on women, minors, and young adults, with promises of financial incentives. For instance, a member named Meera was tasked with establishing an all-women wing for the ISI’s espionage operations. Authorities have apprehended a 17-year-old boy involved in recruiting minors, as they are less likely to raise suspicion and are easily influenced by monetary offers. The use of social media, particularly by teenagers, has also been observed as a means to expand the network.
Concerns have been raised regarding the proliferation of CCTV cameras, as they are not centrally controlled and increasingly include solar-powered devices that require minimal setup effort. The ISI-directed operatives were instructed to install solar-powered CCTV cameras at public locations, enabling detailed surveillance and potential real-time guidance during attacks. The audit aims to address vulnerabilities in the current CCTV system, including the prevalence of default passwords and the easy accessibility of inexpensive devices online.
To enhance CCTV camera security, the Union Government plans to enforce stricter regulations, including the sale of only STQC-certified cameras starting April 1. Additionally, an integrated surveillance framework will be established to ensure unique device registration and adherence to cybersecurity standards, aiming to mitigate the risk of hacking and misuse of CCTV cameras.
