The Rise of IoT Hacking in Government Operations
U.S. government agencies have long relied on legal hacking techniques—from FBI wiretaps to NSA email surveillance—for national security and law enforcement. Now, attention is shifting toward Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including Wi-Fi-connected security cameras, smart home systems, and other networked gadgets.
Toka’s Role in IoT Surveillance
Toka, an Israeli cybersecurity startup backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), specializes in accessing and manipulating IoT devices for intelligence purposes. The company first gained notoriety in a 2022 Haaretz report, which detailed its alleged ability to retrieve and even delete security camera footage.
Expanding US Government Partnerships
Recent job postings suggest Toka is deepening its ties with U.S. agencies:
- Client Director USA: A role focused on expanding business within the Department of Defense (DoD) and national security sectors. View listing
- Customer Success Engineer: Responsible for deployment and training, with preference given to candidates experienced in federal law enforcement. View listing
Toka declined to elaborate on specific U.S. projects but emphasized its compliance with local laws.
“Toka exclusively serves militaries, homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and allied nations,” a company spokesperson told TechCrunch.
The Growing Demand for IoT Exploitation
Hacking IoT devices is becoming a key tool in defense and intelligence operations. Israel, Toka’s home base, has been at the forefront of this trend. Earlier this year, Hezbollah warned Lebanese citizens to disable security cameras, fearing Israeli surveillance.
Beyond conflict zones, the technology has domestic applications. In 2024, a16z’s Ben Horowitz reportedly attempted to fund Toka software for the Las Vegas Police Department, though the offer was declined.
Funding and Strategic Alliances
Since its 2018 launch, Toka has raised $37.5 million from investors like a16z and Dell Capital. The company has also pursued partnerships with U.S. Special Forces and unnamed intelligence agencies, as reported by Haaretz.
Ethical and Legal Safeguards
Toka aims to distance itself from controversial firms like NSO Group (sanctioned by the U.S. in 2021) by adhering to strict ethical guidelines:
- Operates only in countries with strong civil liberties and anti-corruption records.
- Engages external advisors, including Yale’s Professor Peter Schuck and former IMF official Jacob Frenkel, to review compliance.
While Toka attended a 2021 UAE conference and hired a Cellebrite veteran for international sales, the company denies having Emirati clients, underscoring its selective clientele.
“We continuously assess our partnerships based on rule of law, civil rights, and transparency,” the spokesperson added.
The Future of IoT Surveillance
As IoT adoption grows, so will the demand for tools like Toka’s—raising critical questions about privacy, oversight, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
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