Camera Hack Nightmare 😱: Privacy Exposed! 💥

World News

Four individuals have been arrested in South Korea in connection with the alleged hacking of over 120,000 video cameras, primarily used in homes and businesses, and the subsequent creation of sexually exploitative materials distributed through an overseas website. Police announced the arrests on Sunday, detailing that the suspects exploited vulnerabilities in Internet Protocol (IP) cameras – often referred to as home cameras – which frequently utilize simple passwords. These cameras, which connect to a home internet network, are commonly installed for security purposes or to monitor the safety of children and pets. The compromised locations included private residences, karaoke rooms, a Pilates studio, and a gynaecologist’s clinic.

According to a statement from South Korea’s National Police Agency, the four suspects operated independently and did not collaborate. One suspect is accused of hacking 63,000 cameras and producing 545 sexually exploitative videos, which he sold for 35 million won ($12,235; £9,250). Another suspect allegedly hacked 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won worth of virtual assets. Together, these two individuals were responsible for approximately 62% of the videos posted in the past year on a website illegally distributing IP camera hacking footage. Police are currently taking steps to block and shut down this website and are cooperating with foreign agencies to investigate its operator. Furthermore, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the purchase and viewing of the illicitly obtained material.

“IP camera hacking and illegal filming inflict immense suffering on victims and are therefore serious offenses,” stated Park Woo-hyun, a cyber investigation chief at the National Police Agency. “We will eradicate these activities through vigorous investigations.” Authorities have personally visited or notified victims at 58 locations, informing them of the incident and providing guidance on changing their access passwords. They are also assisting victims in deleting and blocking content, as well as working to identify any other individuals who may have been affected. “It is crucial for individual users who have installed IP cameras in homes or business premises to remain vigilant and immediately and regularly change their access passwords.”