Paris Attackers Could have used PlayStation 4 to Communicate

Paris Attackers Could have used PlayStation 4 to Communicate

While French authorities are on the hunt for those suspected of orchestrating the terrorist attacks in Paris in November, other are trying to piece together how the plans unfolded without the prior knowledge of security officials.

PlayStation has been the gaming console of choice among games around the world, but now officials are afraid it may have been the platform in which the terrorist relayed messages through. In the wake of Friday, November 13, terrorist attacks on Paris, Belgian federal home affairs minister Jan Jambon warned about the growing popularity of Sony’s PlayStation 4 among terror networks, which use the gaming device as a communication channel.

After the nearly simultaneous sieges in Paris, which left at least 129 dead and 352 injured, authorities in nearby Brussels conducted a number of searches for those responsible and discovered evidence that included at least one PS4 console. Jambon believes the Islamic State group, which has since claimed responsibility for the attacks, employed the gaming console to communicate because it is very difficult to monitor.

There are several ways in which ISIS could speak to one another through the console. PS4 users can send messages through the PlayStation Network online gaming service, use voice-chatting or even communicate through a specific game.

PlayStation’s IP-based voice systems are difficult for investigator to monitor compared to traditional forms of communication such as mobile phones and computers.

While it remains unclear whether the militants from the Paris attacks actually used the PS4 to communicate, the popular gaming console has proven to be an effective avenue of covert communication.

UPDATE: The Forbes reporter who originally connected the PlayStation 4 with the Paris attacks, including details of a discovered PS4 at an attacker's apartment, has now admitted he got the story wrong, entirely inventing the discovery of the console. While it is entirely possible the attackers could have used the gaming console, there is currently no evidence linking the PlayStation 4 or Sony networks to the Paris attacks.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.