More than 120,000 home cameras in South Korea hacked to obtain 'sexploitation' footage

South Korean police have detained four individuals suspected of infiltrating over 120,000 internet-connected cameras in private residences and commercial locations, using the captured footage to produce sexually explicit material for distribution on an international website.

The National Police Agency reported on Sunday that the suspects took advantage of weaknesses in Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, often exploiting simple or default passwords. IP cameras, which are commonly used as a cost-effective alternative to traditional CCTV systems, connect to home internet networks and are frequently employed for security purposes or to monitor children and pets.

According to authorities, the compromised cameras were installed in diverse settings including homes, karaoke bars, a pilates studio, and even a gynecologists office. The police clarified that the four individuals operated independently and did not collaborate with one another.

One of the suspects allegedly hacked 63,000 cameras, creating 545 explicit videos which were sold for 35 million won (around $12,235). Another suspect reportedly accessed 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won in virtual assets. Together, these two were responsible for roughly 62% of the illicit content uploaded over the past year on the targeted website.

Authorities are now working to shut down the website and are coordinating with international agencies to trace its operators. Additionally, three individuals suspected of purchasing and viewing the illegal content have also been arrested.

Park Woo-hyun, head of cyber investigations at the National Police Agency, emphasized, "Hacking IP cameras and creating unlawful footage causes significant harm to victims and constitutes a serious crime. We will pursue these cases rigorously."

The agency also stressed that viewing or possessing such material is criminal, stating, "We will investigate these actions thoroughly." Victims at 58 affected sites have been contacted directly to provide guidance on changing passwords, removing content, and securing their devices. Authorities are also attempting to identify other potential victims.

The National Police Agency urged, "It is essential for anyone using IP cameras in homes or businesses to remain vigilant and change access passwords regularly to prevent unauthorized access."

Author: Sophia Brooks