Pager explosions in Lebanon raise fears of compromised devices: Are smartphones next?

Lebanon is reeling from unprecedented attacks on Hezbollah’s communications devices. The blasts detonated pagers and walkie-talkies used by the militant group, causing numerous casualties. Although the origin of these attacks remains unconfirmed, many suspect Israel was involved.

This new tactic in modern warfare has raised alarming questions about the vulnerability of other electronic devices. Could smartphones, power banks or smartwatches be next? The attacks have sparked widespread concern among civilians, who fear their personal devices could be similarly compromised.

Social media panic: Could smartphones be the next big thing?

Following the explosions, social media was filled with posts speculating about the potential vulnerability of smartphones. Many Lebanese citizens expressed fear that if pagers and walkie-talkies could be so easily attacked, the ubiquitous smartphones could be next.

“Are our phones safe? Could the same thing happen to us?” wrote one user on Twitter, echoing the concerns of many who now fear for their safety. Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, used for communication, banking and even medical monitoring. The idea that these devices could be similarly compromised has left many in a state of anxiety.

Pagers, being simpler devices with limited security, were probably easier to attack. However, smartphones, with their advanced operating systems and security features, may not be as easy to hack.

DSCI cyber security and critical technology adviser Air Vice Marshal (Dr) Devesh Vatsa explains that while it is theoretically possible to modify a mobile phone to turn it into a potential bomb, replicating the sophisticated attacks seen with pagers would be much more complicated on modern phones. “Smartphones have multiple layers of security in their software, along with hardware safeguards to prevent them from overheating or malfunctioning,” he said.

Experts also noted that modern smartphones are equipped with systems that verify the integrity of the hardware. Unverified components used during the manufacturing process are usually detected during quality inspections, which significantly reduces the risk of hardware tampering.

However, Dr. Vatsa noted that manipulation of smartphones at the supply chain level, while unprecedented, is not entirely ruled out. “Given the diversification of the global smartphone supply chain, a motivated threat actor could, in theory, introduce an explosive payload by manipulating internal hardware,” he said.

“In theory, it’s possible,” Dr. Vatsa added, “but in practice, it would require an extensive, coordinated effort across the entire supply chain.”

Qatar Airways bans pagers and walkie-talkies on flights to Beirut

In response to growing concerns, Qatar Airways has announced a ban on carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights departing from Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. Following directives from Lebanon’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation, the airline is prohibiting passengers from carrying these devices in both checked and carry-on baggage, as well as cargo. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of communication devices. A Qatar Airways spokesperson said the decision was taken “in the interest of passenger safety” and in compliance with Lebanese aviation regulations.

The ban evokes memories of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 crisis a few years ago, when the device was banned from several airlines around the world after multiple reports of the phones catching fire. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 96 cases of Note 7 batteries overheating, with 13 reports of burns and 47 cases of property damage related to the phones. Even though Samsung halted production of the device, the incident had a lasting impact on airline safety protocols.

What’s next for Lebanon and its citizens?

As Lebanon braces for more potential attacks, the country faces a dual crisis: the threat of escalating military conflict and growing distrust in technology. Meanwhile, authorities and technology experts are urging civilians to take extra precautions with their devices, though solutions are far from clear.

For now, one thing is certain: the explosions in Lebanon have set a new precedent for the use of technology in warfare, and fears of vulnerable devices – whether pagers, walkie-talkies or smartphones – continue to haunt the region.