Slovakia Discovers Russian Backdoor in Traffic Speed Cameras

Slovakia's national security service NBU has issued a security alert regarding NERO R-ONE high-speed traffic cameras, which were found to contain a backdoor allowing access via SMS from hardcoded Russian phone numbers. The investigation was prompted by opposition accusations about the cameras' Russian origin and links to a Cyprus shell company. The cameras, a rebranded model from Russian firm Semicon, were part of a €30 million EU-funded project to enhance the national traffic monitoring system. The Interior Ministry had planned to install 279 cameras but paused deployment after the NBU's report. The cameras also have multiple security flaws, including disabled SecureBoot and exposed live streams. An independent audit is being ordered to verify the NBU's findings. Similar devices may also be present in other Eastern European countries.

Key Points: • Slovakia's NBU found backdoors in traffic cameras from a Russian supplier. • 279 cameras were intended for installation as part of a €30 million project. • The Interior Ministry has paused deployment pending further investigation.