In January 2018, retired U.S. General David Petraeus, former CIA Director and Central Command Commander, made waves at an Israel National Security Institute conference in Tel Aviv. He declared, “The world has entered an era of the weaponization of everything.”
Petraeus wasn’t referring to traditional weapons like rifles or missiles. Instead, he meant everyday objects that could be modified for destructive purposes. Think hijacked planes on 9/11 or smartphones used in cyberattacks. Security experts call this alarming trend “hidden explosive objects in everyday life.”
A recent incident in Lebanon has brought this concept into sharp focus: the simultaneous detonation of pagers and walkie-talkies.
On September 17 and 18, 2024, members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia were carrying these devices on their persons. Without warning, the communication tools transformed into “mini grenades,” killing nearly 40 people and wounding over 3,000. The casualties included civilians and children.
This attack highlights a chilling new reality: the vulnerability of supply chains can turn common devices into deadly weapons targeting the public.
Supply Chain Attacks: A Growing Threat to Global Security
The New York Times reported that this incident marks the dawn of a new era where “sabotage” has become a reality, as everyday devices morphed into devastating explosives.
While weaponizing communication devices isn’t new, the scale of this attack is unprecedented. The New York Times emphasized that this “elevated the dark art of electronic sabotage to a new and frightening level.” Once such tactics become known, they risk becoming accessible to many bad actors.
Experts warn that the weaponization of ordinary tools has begun earnestly. The Internet of Things (IoT), which connects our devices—from smartphones to refrigerators—could potentially turn our homes into minefields of “smart” explosives.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Warfare
British historian Mark Galeotti’s 2013 book The Weaponisation of Everything seems eerily prescient. In it, he argues that modern conflicts extend far beyond traditional battlefields, with economics, information, and technology becoming potential weapons.
Galeotti highlighted how state and non-state actors leverage media, finance, law, cyberspace, and even culture to pursue geopolitical goals through unconventional means. This blurs the lines between war and peace, leading to a rise in tactics like disinformation campaigns, economic coercion, and cyberattacks.
He suggests a fundamental shift in our approach to defense and security may be necessary. Adversaries can now achieve strategic objectives without direct military confrontation, potentially ushering in a new era of warfare tactics.
Glenn Gerstell, former NSA legal counsel, told the New York Times that the Lebanon incident provides insight into a daunting scenario where no electronic device, from cell phones to thermostats, is reliable. He compared the situation to Russian and North Korean cyberattacks and cautioned that personal and household devices could represent the next frontier in cybersecurity threats.
Psychological Warfare and Vulnerabilities in Supply Chains
Analysts believe the Lebanon attack was primarily psychological warfare. It instilled a pervasive fear that any ordinary object could suddenly become a “weapon of death,” shattering our sense of safety in everyday life.
Such a large-scale electronic sabotage operation requires deep infiltration of global supply chains. Some speculate that Israel, suspected to be behind the attack, may have compromised the pager manufacturing process to embed explosives.
A Hungarian company reportedly manufactured the pagers. However, experts suspect this may be a “shell company” established by Israel years ago. This incident exposes the vulnerabilities in our increasingly complex global supply chains.
French cybersecurity expert Hadi El-Khoury told Al Jazeera: “If you’re facing an adversary capable of manipulating supply chains, you’re at a severe disadvantage. Without control over your supply chain, your devices are inherently vulnerable.”
The Dangers of Foreign Manufacturing: A Critical Weak Link
U.S. officials have long warned about the security risks of relying on foreign manufacturers for critical components. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have pushed for “reshoring” and “near-shoring” of advanced technology production. Similar efforts are underway in Europe, China, and elsewhere. Notably, Hezbollah’s use of outdated pagers and walkie-talkies stems from concerns about the vulnerability of more advanced electronics to hacking and manipulation.
However, even low-tech devices like pagers are susceptible to tampering as they pass through multiple manufacturers and subcontractors in various countries. Hostile actors can use front companies to modify legitimate devices covertly.
This means adversaries can exploit the complexities of global supply chains to transform seemingly innocuous everyday devices into potential weapons. A single weak link in the chain could lead to catastrophic consequences.
While this represents a new frontier in warfare, it poses significant challenges for product security and integrity in an increasingly interconnected world.
The cybersecurity industry has already grappled with “supply chain attacks” targeting software businesses use. While these attacks require more sophisticated capabilities than traditional phishing or malware, their potential for widespread damage is immense. Once successful, the impact can rapidly spread across multiple companies using the compromised software.
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