Panda SecurityYes, there are privacy risks to installing security cameras at home. Especially when the cameras are connected to the internet and cover private spaces. While it is great to have peace of mind, user mistakes, technology loopholes, and hacker attacks have enabled bad actors to exploit security gaps and access footage they are not meant to see.
Compromised IP cameras allow predators to get access to footage and even watch unsuspecting users live. While broadcasting your private business might not be the desired effect of a security camera that is meant to give you a sense of security. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of baby cameras, and other indoor IP camera solutions for both home and business, that were accessed without the knowledge of the camera owner. And in some cases, they were used by criminals for blackmailing.
Recently, authorities arrested and charged four cyber criminals with sextortion for illegally accessing footage of 120 thousand users. And selling sexually explicit footage on foreign sites.
Key takeaways
- IP cameras continue to present a serious privacy risk when deployed improperly or purchased from unregulated manufacturers.
- South Korean police recently arrested cyber criminals who illegally obtained access to IP cameras of 120,000 people. And made tens of thousands of dollars selling the footage.
- Signs of compromised camera include abnormal behavior and spikes in internet usage data.
- Breaches are preventable, but require proper setup, maintenance, and strategic placement in homes and businesses.
What exactly happened in South Korea’s sexploitation breach?
Authorities charged and arrested four people for illegally accessing footage from the cameras of approximately 120,000 users. The bad actors, who did not work as a team, had exploited various security vulnerabilities in IP cameras. And were making tens of thousands of dollars by selling the collected content online. The perpetrators specifically looked for provocative material and even used it for blackmail. The criminals used illegally obtained footage to create exploitative content involving children and adults. And then sold it for tens of thousands of dollars online.
The case from South Korea also highlights that the four criminals are not the only ones to blame. Watching and storing illegally obtained footage is against the law too. As police pursue people who not only distribute but also buy content captured without the user’s consent.
Are there signs that someone has hacked a home security camera and is watching?
Yes, camera owners can look for signs to determine whether someone has hacked their camera. One of the most obvious signs is when a user hears an unknown voice coming from the camera, which has happened on many occasions with baby and pet cameras. Any unexpected behavior of a camera or actions the owner did not initiate might indicate that someone has compromised the video equipment. There are less obvious signs too – a significant spike in data usage could indicate that someone is accessing the connected device more often.
Home camera owners could also look for unexplained blinking or flashing signs. Some cameras, such as older Nest Cam models, show a small blinking green light when someone is watching the live stream. If you think you are the only person with access to the camera, and you are not streaming right now. But if the camera’s little green light is blinking, someone is watching you.
Do such IP camera breaches happen in the USA?
They certainly do. There have been numerous cases of home and business camera breaches, mainly due to user mistakes. Authorities advise people who plan to deploy home cameras to avoid purchasing equipment from overseas. Manufacturers often do not intend cameras with unclear origins for sale in the USA, and they do not meet regulatory security requirements.
Hackers sometimes even breach known, secure brands that have passed rigorous tests. And equipment not meant for use in the USA often simply presents a wide-open door for bad actors to exploit. Such incidents have affected both private individuals and businesses. With many confirmed cases of hackers accessing footage of sensitive sites such as homes, prisons, schools, hospitals, and even manufacturing facilities.
How to secure IP cameras at home?
While people should avoid installing video equipment in private spaces such as bedrooms, it is sometimes necessary. Practicing adequate password hygiene is a must – when you buy new equipment, immediately change the default password. Bad actors can guess a default password and use it to access your home network or online account. Gaining access to all devices on the network, including video surveillance equipment. Avoid reusing passwords too – breaches happen all the time, and sometimes it takes a long time for breaches even to become public. Reusing a password is a complete no-no if users want to make sure a creep on the other side of the world isn’t playing Big Brother with their home. Using separate encrypted Wi-Fi networks and ensuring the router’s firewall is on and always up to date are also essential.
Relying on technology to maintain the safety of children, pets, and property sometimes comes at a price. Instead of providing peace of mind and greater security, IP cameras sometimes end up collecting content that criminals buy and sell on the dark web. The recently captured South Korean hackers have had access to the cameras for months, even years. Breaches happen all the time, and the owner must ensure that they deploy the video equipment correctly and that it performs as intended. Not randomly broadcasting sensitive footage to people with questionable moral compasses.
