120,000 Home Cameras Breached: Privacy at Risk in the Digital Age

South Korean police revealed that over 120,000 internet-connected home cameras were hacked, with footage exploited to create and sell sexually explicit videos. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the scheme.

National Police Agency (NPA) of South Korea has issued an official statement confirming the arrests of four suspects who hacked approximately 120,000 home and business IP cameras to produce and sell sexually exploitative material.

About 120,000 IP cameras (often called “home cams”) installed in private homes, karaoke rooms, Pilates studios, and clinics were compromised.

Four individuals were arrested. Importantly, police clarified that they acted independently and were not accomplices. The suspects created and sold hundreds of sexual abuse videos on overseas websites. Police noted they are working with overseas agencies to track website operators and buyers involved in distributing the material.

The NPA highlighted that weak passwords and poor security settings on IP cameras were the main vulnerabilities exploited. The case is being treated under South Korea’s strict digital sex crime laws, which have been strengthened in recent years after similar scandals. Authorities urged citizens to immediately change default passwords and update firmware to prevent further breaches.  

---

Key details of the case

• Scale of the breach: More than 120,000 surveillance cameras in homes and businesses across South Korea were compromised.
• Targets: Cameras were placed in private homes, karaoke rooms, Pilates studios, and clinics, making the intrusion deeply invasive.
• Suspects: Police charged four individuals. One suspect alone hacked 63,000 cameras and produced 545 exploitative videos, earning about 35 million won (~₹21 lakh) from sales.
• Method: Hackers exploited weak security in IP cameras, such as default or easy-to-guess passwords.
• Content: The stolen footage was turned into sexually exploitative material and distributed online.

---

Broader implications

• Privacy crisis: This case highlights how vulnerable consumer-grade surveillance devices can be when users fail to change default settings or manufacturers neglect strong security protocols.
• Legal crackdown: South Korea has strict laws against digital sex crimes, and this incident is expected to intensify calls for tougher regulation of surveillance technology.
• Global warning: Similar risks exist worldwide. Any internet-connected device with a camera or microphone can be hijacked if not properly secured.

---

How to protect yourself

• Change default passwords immediately on all smart devices.
• Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Update firmware regularly to patch vulnerabilities.
• Avoid cheap, unverified brands that may lack proper security safeguards.
• Use encrypted networks and avoid exposing devices directly to the internet.

---

This incident is a stark reminder that digital safety is inseparable from physical privacy. The exploitation of everyday devices for sexual crimes shows how technology can be weaponized when security is neglected.