South Korean authorities have apprehended four individuals linked to a massive cybercrime operation involving the hacking of more than 120,000 internet-connected cameras. The breach, which targeted homes and businesses, led to the creation of s3xually exploitative material from stolen private footage.
How the Widespread Camera Hack Was Executed
Investigators revealed that the suspects exploited weak security measures on Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. They gained unauthorized access primarily by using simple or default passwords that the owners had never changed. These IP cameras, popular as affordable alternatives to traditional CCTV systems, are directly connected to home internet networks and are commonly used to monitor residences, children, pets, and small commercial spaces.
The scale of the invasion was staggering. Compromised locations included private homes, karaoke rooms, a pilates studio, and even a gynaecologist's clinic—some of the most private settings imaginable. Police confirmed that the four arrested suspects were not collaborating but operated independently.
Suspects' Roles and the Scale of the Crime
One of the main suspects is accused of hacking approximately 63,000 cameras. From this access, he allegedly produced 545 s3xually exploitative videos, which he then sold for virtual assets worth an estimated 35 million South Korean won.
Another individual is alleged to have breached around 70,000 cameras, selling 648 illicit videos for about 18 million won. Police stated that these two men alone were responsible for 62% of the videos uploaded in the past year to a specific overseas website dedicated to distributing hacked IP camera footage.
In addition to the hackers, three other people have been arrested for allegedly purchasing and viewing the illegal content from the same website.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Park Woo-hyun, a senior cyber investigations official, emphasized the severity of the crimes. "IP camera hacking and illegal filming inflict immense suffering on victims and are therefore serious offences," he stated. "We will eradicate them through vigorous investigations. Viewing and possessing illegally filmed videos are also serious crimes, so we will actively investigate them."
Authorities are now collaborating with international agencies to identify and ultimately shut down the foreign website hosting the stolen footage. So far, victims at 58 confirmed locations have been personally visited or notified by police.
Officials are providing direct assistance to these victims, instructing them on how to change passwords and secure their devices. They are also helping to remove and block the illegally shared content online. However, investigators fear that a significant number of victims remain unaware that their cameras were compromised.
A Crucial Warning for All IP Camera Users
The National Police Agency has issued a strong public advisory in the wake of the breaches. They stressed that vigilance and proactive security measures are essential for individual users who have installed IP cameras in their homes or business premises.
"It is crucial and effective... to remain vigilant and immediately and regularly change their access passwords," the agency urged. The investigation continues as officials work to trace the full extent of the leaked material and identify all affected individuals.
