Hackers reveal how Flock cameras really track cars and people

Hackers have exposed the inner workings of Flock Safety's cameras, which are used to track vehicles and people. The hackers obtained a nearly complete copy of the data stored in a Flock camera by removing it from a roadway. They shared the files with 404 Media and WIRED, providing an unprecedented look at how the camera operates.

The hackers also revealed how they gained access to the camera's software, hoping to inspire others to replicate their success. Despite Flock's claims of on-device encryption, the hackers were able to recover an encryption key and access the camera's storage. The analysis of the recovered data shows that the camera not only detects vehicles but also people, license plates, and bicycles.

The camera is capable of capturing numerous images of a single vehicle, and its computer-vision software can even identify specific details such as bumper stickers and American flag patches. The hackers' actions aim to shed light on the vulnerabilities of Flock's security measures.