Slovakia warns of cyber threats in Russian-linked speed cameras

cybersecurity speed cameras Russian technology surveillance Slovakia

Slovakia’s National Security Authority (NBÚ) has issued a warning regarding significant cyber threats linked to road speed cameras. A security analysis of the NERO R-ONE camera system, which was being tested at the request of the Interior Ministry, revealed that the hardware and software were functionally equivalent to the Russian-made Cordon Pro.M system produced by Simicon.

Technical investigations uncovered several critical vulnerabilities, including undocumented communication settings, weak security protections, and pre-configured remote access mechanisms that allow for management outside the operator's control. Notably, investigators discovered a hidden second SIM card slot and 12 Russian telephone numbers embedded in the software, which could be used to send SMS commands to restart devices or enable remote access. Additionally, some video feeds were found to be unencrypted and accessible without a password.

The cameras were reportedly offered to Slovakia by the Cyprus-based company Sodasus Ltd, which claimed to be the manufacturer but was found to be a front for the Russian producer. Following these findings, the Slovak Ministry of Interior halted the pilot program and removed the test units from the roads. In response to the procurement, the opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS) has filed criminal charges with the General Prosecutor's Office, alleging fraud, abuse of power, and potential espionage.

Entities

NERO R-ONE · NEROline · National Security Authority · Progressive Slovakia · Simicon · Slovakia · Slovakia National Security Authority · Sodasus · Sodasus Ltd

Claims

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

[● 2 SOURCES] The NERO R-ONE camera system was found to be functionally equivalent to the Russian Cordon Pro.M system. moto.pl · niebezpiecznik.pl
[● 4 SOURCES] The cameras contained pre-configured remote access and management mechanisms outside the operator's control. cybernoz.com · www.europesays.com · www.moncloa.com · securityaffairs.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The opposition party Progressive Slovakia filed criminal charges regarding the installation of the cameras. www.info.sk · zive.aktuality.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The cameras contained an undocumented second SIM card slot. beta.rs · www.sigmalive.com · www.thepressroom.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Security analysis found inconsistencies between documented and actual communication settings in the cameras. cybernoz.com · www.europesays.com · www.moncloa.com · securityaffairs.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The NBÚ identified a significant cyber threat in several types of road speed cameras. cybernoz.com · www.europesays.com · www.moncloa.com · securityaffairs.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Interior halted testing of the new cameras following the security findings. moto.pl · fenix-magazin.de · www.sigmalive.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Investigators found 12 Russian telephone numbers in the camera software used for administrative functions. moto.pl · beta.rs · fenix-magazin.de · niebezpiecznik.pl · www.sigmalive.com · +1 more