Four Arrested for Hacking Over 120,000 IP Cameras in South Korea

More than 120,000 Internet Protocol (IP) cameras have been hacked in South Korea, leading to the arrest of four individuals. The compromised footage was allegedly used to create sexually exploitative materials for an overseas website. Authorities state that the suspects exploited vulnerabilities in the cameras, including the use of easily guessable passwords.

IP cameras, which are often marketed as cost-effective alternatives to traditional CCTV systems, connect directly to home internet networks. They are widely utilized for home security and monitoring of children and pets. Reports indicate that the hacked cameras were located in various settings, including private residences, karaoke rooms, a pilates studio, and a gynaecologist’s clinic.

Details of the Arrests and Exploitation

According to South Korea’s National Police Agency, the four suspects operated independently rather than as a coordinated group. One individual is accused of hacking 63,000 cameras and producing 545 sexually exploitative videos, which he allegedly sold for 35 million won (approximately $27,000) in virtual assets. Another suspect reportedly hacked 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won (around $13,500). These two individuals were responsible for approximately 62% of the videos uploaded to a website that illegally distributed footage from hacked cameras over the past year.

Police are actively collaborating with international agencies to investigate the operator of the illicit website and to facilitate its shutdown. In addition, three other individuals suspected of purchasing and viewing the exploitative material have also been arrested.

Impact on Victims and Prevention Measures

Park Woo-hyun, Chief of Cyber Investigations at the National Police Agency, emphasized the serious nature of IP camera hacking and illegal filming, stating, “These actions inflict immense suffering on victims and are therefore serious offences. We will eradicate them through vigorous investigations.” He underscored the importance of addressing the viewing and possession of illegally filmed videos as equally serious crimes.

Authorities have reached out to victims at 58 locations to inform them of the breaches and provide guidance on enhancing their security, including changing passwords. The National Police Agency is assisting victims in deleting and blocking the illicit content while working to identify additional individuals who may have been affected by this incident.

In its statement, the National Police Agency highlighted the necessity for IP camera users to remain vigilant, advising that they regularly change their access passwords to mitigate risks.

The ongoing investigations underscore a critical need for awareness surrounding the security of devices that are increasingly prevalent in both homes and businesses.