In light of the recent Lebanon attacks, where personal electronic devices such as pagers were compromised, there are several critical questions we should be considering regarding the safety and security of such devices in conflict zones and beyond:

Key Questions Regarding Device Safety:

How Secure Are Supply Chains?

• How can we ensure the integrity of electronic devices from manufacture to end-user deployment?

• How can we secure supply chains and make them trustworthy from a decentralized point of view?

• Could supply chains be compromised at any stage by hostile actors inserting malicious components?

What Vulnerabilities Exist in Everyday Devices?

• Are commonly used devices like pagers, smartphones, or other communication tools at risk of being compromised in similar ways?

• What types of embedded hardware or software vulnerabilities could be exploited?

How Can We Protect Devices from Remote Exploitation?

• Can remote signals or software updates be used to trigger attacks?

• What preventive measures, such as encryption or signal blocking, should be implemented to protect against remote exploitation?

What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Unauthorised Access?

• What are the best practices for securing personal devices against tampering or malware?

• Should personal electronic devices in high-risk environments undergo regular security audits or physical inspections?

Can Device Authentication and Security Features Be Strengthened?

• What new authentication methods or anti-tampering measures can be incorporated into device design to prevent unauthorised access or the planting of malicious components?

Should Certain Devices Be Avoided in Conflict Zones?

• Are specific types of devices (such as pagers, phones, or tablets) particularly vulnerable in conflict zones?

• Should alternative, more secure communication methods be considered for personnel in such areas?

How Can Personal Privacy Be Balanced with Security?

• How can we strike a balance between securing devices and maintaining privacy?

• Are the methods used to secure devices against external threats themselves invasive, and how do we mitigate this risk?

What Lessons Can Be Learned for Broader Global Device Security?

• How can the lessons from these attacks in Lebanon inform global security practices in both civilian and military contexts?

• What regulations or standards need to evolve to protect against such attacks in the future?

What Legal and Ethical Implications Arise?

• What are the legal and ethical responsibilities of governments and corporations in securing personal devices?

• How should governments and international bodies respond to the deliberate targeting of civilian devices in conflict?

How Should International Law Address Device-Based Attacks?

• Are there gaps in international law regarding the use of personal electronic devices in warfare?

• How should the legal frameworks around booby traps, cyberattacks, and electronic warfare evolve to better protect civilians?

In light of the recent Lebanon attacks, where personal electronic devices such as pagers were compromised, there are several critical questions we should be considering regarding the safety and security of such devices in conflict zones and beyond:

Key Questions Regarding Device Safety:

How Secure Are Supply Chains?

• How can we ensure the integrity of electronic devices from manufacture to end-user deployment?

• How can we secure supply chains and make them trustworthy from a decentralized point of view?

• Could supply chains be compromised at any stage by hostile actors inserting malicious components?

What Vulnerabilities Exist in Everyday Devices?

• Are commonly used devices like pagers, smartphones, or other communication tools at risk of being compromised in similar ways?

• What types of embedded hardware or software vulnerabilities could be exploited?

How Can We Protect Devices from Remote Exploitation?

• Can remote signals or software updates be used to trigger attacks?

• What preventive measures, such as encryption or signal blocking, should be implemented to protect against remote exploitation?

What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Unauthorised Access?

• What are the best practices for securing personal devices against tampering or malware?

• Should personal electronic devices in high-risk environments undergo regular security audits or physical inspections?

Can Device Authentication and Security Features Be Strengthened?

• What new authentication methods or anti-tampering measures can be incorporated into device design to prevent unauthorised access or the planting of malicious components?

Should Certain Devices Be Avoided in Conflict Zones?

• Are specific types of devices (such as pagers, phones, or tablets) particularly vulnerable in conflict zones?

• Should alternative, more secure communication methods be considered for personnel in such areas?

How Can Personal Privacy Be Balanced with Security?

• How can we strike a balance between securing devices and maintaining privacy?

• Are the methods used to secure devices against external threats themselves invasive, and how do we mitigate this risk?

What Lessons Can Be Learned for Broader Global Device Security?

• How can the lessons from these attacks in Lebanon inform global security practices in both civilian and military contexts?

• What regulations or standards need to evolve to protect against such attacks in the future?

What Legal and Ethical Implications Arise?

• What are the legal and ethical responsibilities of governments and corporations in securing personal devices?

• How should governments and international bodies respond to the deliberate targeting of civilian devices in conflict?

How Should International Law Address Device-Based Attacks?

• Are there gaps in international law regarding the use of personal electronic devices in warfare?

• How should the legal frameworks around booby traps, cyberattacks, and electronic warfare evolve to better protect civilians?