In 2009, the Pentagon closed a security breach that allowed insurgents to hack into data feeds from pilotless “drone” aircraft that provide real-time video of war zones in Iraq.

It is reported that Shi’ite fighters in Iraq used cheap software to intercept the video feeds of drones, thus allowing them to monitor US military operations. The US military came to know of the problem when they apprehended a Shi’ite insurgent who had digital files of drone video feeds on his laptop. Subsequently, the US military found more files on other militants’ laptop.

The US military was quick on its feet and ‘fixed’ the issue. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman then had defended the use of drones and had said, “Every capability comes with its advantages, disadvantages, benefits as well as potential weaknesses.”