Security Breach in Law Enforcement Camera System Raises Questions for Vero Beach Residents
Residents driving through Indian River County are likely familiar with the solar-powered license plate readers stationed at various intersections. Known as Flock Safety cameras, these devices have become a critical tool for local law enforcement. However, a recently confirmed data breach involving the vendor has sparked concerns regarding privacy and cybersecurity, prompting a response from local officials.
According to reports from The Auto Wire and WPTV, Flock Safety has acknowledged a security lapse that exposed live camera feeds to the open internet. The breach reportedly allowed unauthorized individuals to view live video, access approximately a month’s worth of archived footage, and even delete video files from the system. The issue was brought to light by YouTuber Benn Jordan, who discovered publicly accessible links that provided detailed insights into daily routines in public spaces.
Local Impact and Police Response
With Indian River County previously reporting the operation of 140 license plate readers, the news of a vendor-wide breach is significant for the Treasure Coast. However, local authorities have moved quickly to clarify the status of their specific equipment.
The Vero Beach Police Department confirmed that while they do utilize Flock Safety cameras, their agency was not affected by this specific security exposure. The breach was reportedly limited to a specific model of “Condor” cameras used during testing processes with cellular carriers.
Vero Beach Police Department confirmed it uses the cameras but said it was not impacted by the breach. Vero Beach officials said each camera costs about $3,000 but did not detail how vendors are vetted for cybersecurity risks.
Privacy Concerns vs. Public Safety
Flock Safety has characterized the incident as isolated and disputes the severity of the claims, stating that the vulnerability has been corrected with security updates. Executives at the company suggested that some of the criticism stems from activist groups opposed to law enforcement technology.
However, the discovery highlights the delicate balance between public safety technology and personal privacy. While the Vero Beach Police Department has assured the public that their system remains secure, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous cybersecurity evaluations for technology funded by taxpayers and used to monitor local streets.
