Slovakia security alert over Russian-linked traffic cameras

traffic surveillance cameras cybersecurity threat Russian hardware National Security Authority Slovakia

The Slovak National Security Authority (NBÚ) has issued warnings regarding traffic surveillance cameras used by the Ministry of Interior, identifying them as a significant cybersecurity threat. Although the devices were marketed as Cypriot-made NERO R-ONE cameras, an NBÚ analysis revealed they are actually Russian-made CORDON PRO.M hardware from the company Simicon.

Technical findings indicate the cameras contain an undocumented 3G/4G communication module and a list of 12 pre-set Russian telephone numbers (+78 and +79). This configuration could allow for remote access and the receipt of commands, such as restarts or mode changes, via SMS. The NBÚ also discovered hardcoded root passwords in the firmware and pre-configured VPN connections.

Prime Minister Robert Fico has dismissed the concerns, questioning the impact of two cameras on national security. Conversely, the supplier, Soitron, denied that the cameras were subject to remote control during testing and expressed readiness for an independent security audit. The Ministry of Interior has since requested a review from the NBÚ, and the controversial cameras have been removed.

Entities

Beáta Jurík · Kamil Šaško · Matúš Šutaj Eštok · Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic · National Security Authority · Progresívne Slovensko · Robert Fico · Simicon · Soitron

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] There was never a plan for these cameras to enter full, active operation. www.info.sk
[DISPUTED] The Ministry of Interior terminated the contract with the supplier and removed the cameras. standard.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The opposition party discovered the security threat through analytical work rather than state intelligence or the Ministry of Interior. standard.sk · www.info.sk
[● 2 SOURCES] A proposal to resolve the ambulance service tender will be submitted within a few weeks. www.info.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The traffic radar cameras containing Russian components were only in a testing phase. standard.sk · www.info.sk