LEBANON’S INTERNET & PHONE NETWORKS SUSCEPTIBLE TO ISRAELI SNOOPING?
July 25, 2024Ogero Managing Director Imad Kreidieh has warned in a televised interview that Lebanon’s national network is highly vulnerable to potential spying by Israel. Kreidieh added that inadequate funding is impeding maintenance operations to the “dilapidated and outdated” network, hindering efforts to enhance cybersecurity.
“Israel is capable of penetrating our network and spying on us,” the managing director said in an interview with local TV channel al-Jadeed. “What is important is how we defend ourselves… [and] establish the necessary capabilities to protect our networks by investing in equipment and bringing in expertise in cybersecurity.”
However, Kreidieh highlighted the dire state of the national network, stating that “95 percent of the national network is made of copper and has become dilapidated and outdated. It has long expired, and financial capabilities prevent us from performing maintenance operations.”
“If sufficient financial resources are not secured, the Ogero Authority will stop working,” Kreidieh added, stressing, however, that reaching this point is not likely.
He added that the war between Hezbollah and Israel in South Lebanon did not significantly affect the Ogero network in those areas “because the infrastructure is underground.”
The Lebanese authorities claim to have contingency plans in place to maintain telecommunications in the event of a wider war with Israel.
@lorienttoday
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