Israeli cybersecurity firms are developing and selling advanced tools capable of hacking into vehicle systems to gather intelligence, according to a report in Haaretz. These technologies, collectively known as CARINT (car intelligence), allow for the tracking of vehicles and, in some cases, the monitoring of conversations within them. The development raises significant privacy concerns and highlights a growing trend of vehicle data being leveraged for surveillance purposes.
At least three Israeli companies are actively involved in the CARINT sector, offering systems that can cross-reference data from tens of thousands of vehicles to identify individuals of interest. The tools exploit the increasing connectivity of modern cars, utilizing data transmitted via SIM cards and other onboard systems. The capabilities extend beyond simple location tracking, with some firms developing the ability to remotely access a vehicle’s microphone and camera systems.
Toka, a company co-founded by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former army cyber chief Brig. Gen. Yaron Rosen, is at the forefront of this technology. Initially known for its security camera hacking capabilities, Toka has expanded into vehicle surveillance, developing a product that can pinpoint a car’s location, track its movements, and potentially eavesdrop on occupants. According to documents obtained by Haaretz, the company’s system allows access to a vehicle’s hands-free system microphone and dashboard cameras. The Israeli Defense Ministry previously approved the sale of this technology, but Toka has since stated it no longer offers the product as part of its product roadmap.
However, industry sources suggest that direct hacking into vehicles may become less necessary due to advancements in data fusion techniques powered by artificial intelligence. This shift indicates a move towards leveraging readily available data from various sources – including vehicle SIM cards, wireless and Bluetooth communications, and public databases like license plate recognition systems – to build comprehensive surveillance profiles.
Rayzone, another Israeli firm, is marketing a CARINT tool through its subsidiary, TA9, that focuses on this data fusion approach. The system aims to provide “full intelligence coverage” of a target by combining vehicle data with information from other sources. This includes analyzing location and travel data transmitted via SIM cards, monitoring wireless and Bluetooth signals, and cross-referencing data with publicly available information such as license plate records and government databases.
The trend extends beyond Israel. In the report by Anadolu Ajansı, it was noted that the US federal government is requesting data from vehicle manufacturers in a similar manner to how it requests data from large technology companies. Palantir Technologies, a US-based data analytics firm, is also involved in the CARINT sector, developing systems to analyze license plate numbers and vehicle registration data. Other companies, such as Berla and Cellebrite, are focused on data extraction and analysis tools for law enforcement.
Concerns about vehicle data security are also emerging internationally. The Israel Defense Forces reportedly banned the use of Chinese-made electric vehicles by high-ranking personnel, with an exception made for the Chery TIGGO 8 model only after its media system was removed. The ban reflects anxieties about potential data access by the Chinese government, as Chinese vehicle manufacturers are required to transmit vehicle data to state authorities.
The increasing sophistication of vehicle surveillance technologies was on display at recent security conferences in Prague, Dubai, Atlanta, and Singapore. Artificial intelligence was a central theme, with companies showcasing systems capable of processing vast amounts of data from multiple intelligence sources. The ability to perform real-time data fusion is becoming a key differentiator in the market, allowing agencies to quickly convert raw data into actionable intelligence. A sales representative at one such conference stated, “The amount of data intelligence agencies have is huge. Real-time data fusion is the determining factor.”
Netline, another Israeli company, through its AI-focused subsidiary Ateros, is also offering CARINT solutions. Ateros’ GeoDome system integrates data from various sources, including license plate recognition and cellular communication data, and works in conjunction with Netline’s Onyx product, which reportedly allows for data collection from connected vehicles. The proliferation of these technologies underscores a growing market for vehicle-based intelligence, raising critical questions about privacy, security, and the potential for misuse of personal data.
