While U.S. government agencies have long utilized legal wiretaps and email monitoring for intelligence, a new frontier in surveillance is emerging: the hacking of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including Wi-Fi-connected security cameras. Toka, an Israeli startup backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), is aggressively positioning itself to provide these capabilities to U.S. federal agencies.
Expanding Footprint in the U.S. Government
Toka is currently intensifying its recruitment efforts within the United States. The company is seeking a “Client Director USA” to drive business growth across the Department of Defense and national security agencies. The ideal candidate for this role must possess a proven track record in technology sales within the federal sector. Additionally, the firm is hiring a customer success engineer to manage deployment and training, with a preference for candidates experienced in working with federal law enforcement.
When questioned about its expansion, a company spokesperson stated that Toka is primarily filling existing roles. “Toka only sells to militaries, homeland security organizations, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in the United States and its closest allies who use our products in compliance with local laws,” the representative added.
Advanced Capabilities and Market Reach
The startup, founded in 2018, has secured $37.5 million in funding from prominent investors, including a16z and Dell Capital. The firm gained significant attention following a 2022 Haaretz report, which detailed Toka’s ability to access and even delete security camera footage.
The demand for such technology is growing globally. In the Middle East, Hezbollah recently warned citizens to deactivate security cameras to prevent Israeli intelligence from utilizing them for target acquisition. Closer to home, reports indicate that a16z’s Ben Horowitz previously attempted to donate funds to the Las Vegas Police Department specifically for the procurement of Toka software, though the department did not proceed with the acquisition.
Compliance and Ethical Oversight
Toka has actively distanced itself from the reputation of other Israeli cyber-surveillance firms, such as the U.S.-sanctioned NSO Group. The company emphasizes that it only conducts business with governments that meet a “select list” of criteria regarding civil liberties, the rule of law, and corruption.
To maintain these standards, Toka says it relies on external advisors, including Yale Law School Professor Peter Schuck and Jacob Frenkel, Chairman of JP Morgan Chase International. Despite these safeguards, the company continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, recently hiring international sales leadership with backgrounds at other controversial firms like Cellebrite. Toka maintains that it monitors its international sales closely and denies having any active clients in the UAE, despite prior reports of conference attendance in the region.