U.S. authorities cite Web cams as a serisous threat

Published 18 January 2007

Many airports and other critical infrastructure permit on-line viewing of the premises; some even allow a pan and zoom feature; security experts worry that such may make an opportune method of reconnoisance

Those readers with teenage children surely know what a Web cam is. That is why they hopefully do not permit them in the bedroom, where such intimate connections with strangers (and even friends) could lead to untoward behavior. Outside of the home, however, Web cams are ubiquitous. Many cities have installed them to offer constant views of landmarks and other attractive municipal features, as have many private individuals offering views of evrything from local surf conditions to the crowds at Jerusalem’s Western Wall. Sadly, in thsi day and age such conveniebces may have consequences: according to the Canadian Press, U.S. security agencies are worried that some Web cams — in particular those aimed at airports and other critical infrastructure — could become terrorist tools.

In a confidential assessment jointly prepared by the FBI and DHS and prompted by a recent report about a Web cam at an Alaska airport, the two agencies urge government organizations and private-sector partners to ”review the information available on their websites, and balance the public need for information with security concerns…”Webcams at U.S. critical infrastructure locations … may allow the open observation of security measures, guard shift changes, and pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns.” There were good reasons to worry: the Alaska camera in question allowed the viewer to zoom in on the airport terminal and cargo areas. Airport authorities disabled the camera after being notified of the posting. Other airports that offer Web cams, including Edmonton International Airport, do not allow such a feature.

-read more in this Canadian Press report