What it is about
Hezbollah operatives have been found using beepers, a communication device that predates mobile phones. This remarkable revelation emerged during a recent cyberattack that targeted Hezbollah across multiple countries.
Why it matters
The discovery shines a spotlight on the outdated yet reliable technology that is still in use by an organization resistant to modern advancements. Israel’s intelligence capabilities continue to expose Hezbollah’s vulnerabilities.
Backstory on Beepers
Originally invented in the 1920s, and further developed in the 1940s by Al Gross, the beeper was a pioneering personal communication tool. It allowed users to receive short messages in remote areas where traditional communication options were limited. While primarily used in the United States for security and public systems like hospitals, it became widely popular globally, including in Israel, from the 1970s to the early 1990s.
Beeper Technology
Beepers work by receiving messages over radio frequencies. When a message is sent, the device alerts its user with a loud beep or vibration. This would prompt the user to find a public or landline phone to respond to the message. The basic yet ingenious technology ensured communication, even in areas without modern reception capabilities.
Decline and Niche Applications
With the advent of mobile phones in the 1990s, beeper use saw a significant decline. Mobiles offered a plethora of communication options, rendering beepers almost obsolete. However, the beeper still holds its ground in some niches like healthcare, where it is valued for its reliability in places where mobile phones might not function properly, such as basements and other enclosed spaces. Certain emergency and security systems also maintain beepers as a backup communication tool due to their simplicity.
Conclusion
The exposure of Hezbollah’s reliance on beepers illustrates how outdated technologies are sometimes still in use. Israel’s prowess in cybersecurity and intelligence continues to uncover and address these vulnerabilities effectively, maintaining an edge in the ongoing security dynamics of the region.
This story was first published on jpost.com.