South Korean authorities have reported the arrest of four individuals for allegedly hacking over 120,000 home and business Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. The individuals are accused of using the captured footage to create sexually exploitative materials, which were then distributed via an overseas website.
IP cameras, commonly installed for security or monitoring children and pets, connect to a home internet network. The police statement indicated that the accused exploited vulnerabilities in these cameras, primarily through the use of simple passwords.
The National Police Agency of South Korea stated that the four suspects operated independently and without conspiracy.
One suspect is alleged to have compromised 63,000 cameras, producing 545 sexually exploitative videos. These videos were reportedly sold for virtual assets valued at 35 million won (approximately $25,500 USD).
Another suspect is accused of hacking 70,000 cameras and selling 648 videos for virtual assets totaling 18 million won (approximately $13,100 USD).
These two individuals are reported to be responsible for approximately 62% of the videos posted on an illicit website distributing IP camera hacking footage over the past year.
Police are currently working to block and shut down the implicated website and are collaborating with international agencies to investigate its operator. Additionally, three individuals suspected of purchasing and viewing material through the site have been arrested.
Park Woo-hyun, a cyber investigation chief at the National Police Agency, emphasized the severity of IP camera hacking and illegal filming, stating that authorities would work to eradicate such activities through investigations. He also noted that viewing and possessing illegally filmed videos constitute serious crimes.
Authorities have visited or notified victims at 58 locations, providing information about the incidents and guidance on password changes. Efforts are also underway to assist victims in deleting and blocking content and to identify other potentially affected individuals.
The National Police Agency advises IP camera users in homes and businesses to remain vigilant and to regularly change their access passwords to enhance security.