The Moment You Press the Phone Button, a 'Spy' Can See It [Tech Talk]

Israel remotely detonated Hezbollah beeper
Intercepted frequencies key to electronic warfare
Military communication tech fuels modern IT growth

Recently, thousands of casualties occurred as a large number of pagers used by the Lebanese armed group 'Hezbollah' exploded. Hezbollah had been using pagers instead of mobile phones to avoid Israeli surveillance, but explosives had been pre-installed inside these devices.

Pagers, mobile phones, and other wireless communication devices operate based on radio waves. Although radio waves have long been established as a core technology underpinning modern society, they are a double-edged sword in the realm of security. Spies equipped with advanced surveillance equipment can capture even the smallest call records and track locations.

Pagers Transformed into Bombs

The wireless pager used in the so-called 'Pippi Terror.' It is known to be manufactured by Taiwan's Gold Apollo, but Gold Apollo also outsourced production to a Hungarian company. The actual manufacturing and supply chain formation process is unknown. [Image source=Captured from X]

Foreign media, including the US daily The New York Times (NYT), cited US officials on the 17th (local time), revealing that the pagers in question were Taiwanese electronic products imported by Hezbollah. However, the Taiwanese manufacturer explained that the products were outsourced to a company based in Hungary for production.

Israeli spies appear to have succeeded in intervening in the manufacturing process of these pagers. In fact, next to the battery of these pagers, explosives weighing between 28 to 56 grams and a remote detonation switch were installed. Furthermore, the pagers were programmed to emit a signal tone for a few seconds and then self-destruct upon receiving a specific frequency. As a result, hundreds of pagers exploded simultaneously that day, injuring about 2,000 people and killing 9.

Israeli intelligence agencies exploited Hezbollah's deliberate use of text-based communication devices to evade their surveillance network. After distributing the explosive-laden pagers to Hezbollah members, they identified the frequencies used by these members, monitored their every move, and pressed the switch at the most critical moment. Although the effect was significant, this incident is expected to spark various economic and ethical controversies, including issues of global supply chain transparency and the use of 'booby traps' by regular armies.

Not Even a Single Smartphone Call Can Escape

The RC-135, known as the most advanced electronic signal intelligence collector in the world today, is possessed only by the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In military operations, the act of targeting and destroying radar (RADAR) and wireless communication equipment is called 'electronic warfare.' All these devices share the commonality of operating based on radio waves. Communication has long been the core of military command. If one can identify the frequency of enemy radios and eavesdrop on their conversations, or intercept and cut off communications midway, the tide of battle would surely turn.

For this reason, the history of wireless communication technology has closely paralleled the development of military technology. Modern electronic warfare is so advanced that it can disable communication network equipment from hundreds of kilometers away.

It is even known that the 'RC-135' reconnaissance aircraft, used only by the US and UK militaries, can intercept radio waves from smartphones used by civilians and trace their locations backward. The moment a device emits radio waves, it essentially reveals its location to the enemy. For this reason, North Korea reportedly holds its breath every time a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane flies overhead.

Due to powerful electronic warfare equipment, paradoxically, militaries find it difficult to use civilian communication infrastructure. If a real war breaks out, network infrastructure would be destroyed first, and wireless communication devices like smartphones would be unusable due to concerns about tracking and hacking. Therefore, soldiers use heavy radios instead of cutting-edge Galaxy or iPhone devices. Communicating on frequencies shared only among allies is the only way to remain relatively safe from spies.

Military Communication Technology Becomes the Nutrient for Modern IT

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 5G modem, found in almost all premium smartphones worldwide. The antenna technology of this component was developed in collaboration with companies such as Qorvo and Wolfspeed, which are also defense contractors.
[Image source=Qualcomm]

Ironically, military communication technology has become the nutrient for the IT infrastructure we enjoy today. For example, Qualcomm is a representative company in modern wireless communication devices. It is famous for supplying 5G communication modems installed in smartphones. These modems include ARM-based Snapdragon chips designed by Qualcomm and various antennas.

Antennas have continuously evolved to detect radio waves more sensitively. Especially companies like Qorvo and Wolfspeed, which are considered 'allies' of Qualcomm Snapdragon modems, play key roles. These companies maintain close cooperative relationships with the US Department of Defense and are central to the development of military radar, radios, and communication systems.