(Adnkronos) –
Four people have been arrested in South Korea for hacking over 120,000 cameras IP installed in homes and businesses, then using the recorded images to produce sexually explicit material intended for an overseas-based website. The BBC reports, citing local police, that the hackers exploited system vulnerabilities – such as overly simple passwords – to access the devices, which are increasingly popular as an economical alternative to traditional video surveillance systems.
The compromised cameras were found in private apartments, karaoke rooms, pilates studios, and even a gynecological clinic. One of the suspects allegedly hacked 63,000 devices alone, creating 545 videos and selling them in cryptocurrencies for approximately 35 million won (over 20,000 euros), while another allegedly hacked 70,000 cameras and commercialized 648 videos for approximately 10,000 euros. The two are reportedly responsible for over 60% of the content published in the last year on the illegal site now under investigation. Police have also stopped three people accused of purchasing or viewing the videos.
Authorities have announced drastic measures to block the platform and collaborate with foreign agencies to trace its operator. “IP camera hacking and illegal filming cause immense suffering to victims and are very serious crimes: we will eradicate them with vigorous investigations,” said Park Woo-hyun, head of cyber investigations. Police are contacting the owners of the violated cameras to assist them in content removal and, above all, urge users to regularly change their passwords to protect their privacy.
