Article Today, South Korea:
South Korean authorities have uncovered a major cybercrime involving the hacking of more than 1.2 lakh Internet Protocol cameras installed in homes and workplaces. The compromised devices included low-cost home surveillance cameras that are widely used as alternatives to conventional CCTV systems. As a result, private moments of individuals were illegally recorded and misused.
Targets Across Private and Public Spaces
According to investigators, the hacked cameras were located in residences, offices, small fitness centres, and medical facilities, including gynaecology clinics. The intrusion into such sensitive spaces has raised serious concerns about digital privacy and patient confidentiality. Meanwhile, the scale of the breach has highlighted the growing vulnerabilities in unsecured smart devices.
Arrests and Digital Evidence
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the case. Investigators said each of them operated independently. One accused is reported to have accessed nearly 63,000 cameras and produced 545 explicit videos, which were sold for about Rs. 22 lakh. Another suspect allegedly hacked around 70,000 cameras and earned about Rs. 11 lakh by selling 648 such videos. In addition, police found that nearly 62% of the content uploaded last year on an illegal website came from these accused.
Online Trafficking of Illicit Content
The stolen videos were distributed through underground platforms and paid-access websites. Authorities also detained several individuals who had purchased and stored the illegal content. Police officials stressed that viewing or possessing such material is a serious criminal offence under South Korean law.
Cause Traced to Weak Security
Investigators have attributed the large-scale breach primarily to simple passwords and poor security configurations. Many users had not changed default passwords or updated device firmware. Therefore, hackers were able to access live camera feeds with ease and operate undetected for long periods.
Victims Alerted, Safeguards Urged
Police have so far identified victims across 58 locations and have begun notifying them individually. They have advised immediate password changes and stronger security practices. In addition, authorities have urged citizens using home cameras to adopt complex passwords, enable two-factor authentication where available, and regularly update their devices.
Growing Cybercrime Challenge
The case has underlined the expanding threat of cybercrime in an era of smart homes and connected devices. However, officials believe that improved digital awareness and stricter security standards could prevent similar incidents. For now, the investigation continues as authorities trace the remaining digital trails and assess the full impact of the breach.
