Four people have been detained in South Korea on suspicion of illegally accessing more than 120,000 surveillance cameras in private homes and offices. These cameras were used to create sexual content that was then distributed on a foreign website, reports the BBC.
This became known on Sunday when the police announced the arrests. According to information, the perpetrators exploited vulnerabilities in the security systems of home cameras, which are often protected by simple passwords.
Home surveillance cameras are a more accessible alternative to traditional CCTV systems. They connect to the internet and are often used for home security or monitoring children and pets.
According to media reports, hackers gained access to cameras in private homes, karaoke bars, pilates studios, and even in a gynecological clinic.
Representatives of the National Police Agency of South Korea reported that the detainees acted independently of each other.
One of the suspects reportedly hacked 63,000 cameras and created 545 explicit videos, which he sold for 35 million won (approximately $23,862).
The other suspect, according to the police, managed to access 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won (about $12,272).
These two suspects accounted for about 62% of the total number of videos posted on the website that illegally distributed content obtained by hacking home cameras last year.
The police are actively working to block this website and are cooperating with foreign law enforcement agencies to identify its owner. Additionally, three people suspected of purchasing and viewing materials from this resource have been detained.
"Hacking cameras and secret recording are serious crimes that cause immense harm to victims. We intend to actively combat these offenses," said Park Woo-hyun, head of the cyber investigation department of the National Police Agency of South Korea.
He added that viewing and storing illegally obtained videos are also serious offenses, and the police will thoroughly investigate such cases.
Law enforcement representatives visited 58 addresses of victims to inform them of the situation and provide recommendations for changing passwords. The police are also assisting in the removal and blocking of compromising content and are working to identify other victims.
"The most important thing is for users of home cameras to remain vigilant, change access passwords, and update them regularly," emphasized a statement from the National Police Agency.
