A file picture shows a popular IP camera produced by China's Xiaomi. [Courtesy of Xiaomi]
Dozens of people have been caught and investigated for hacking 1,600 IP cameras, known as webcams, to peek at the private life of others including housewives and women at sports clubs, police said amid growing public concerns about secret or hidden cameras.
Police in the southeastern city of Changwon said in a statement Thursday that 29 hackers including a 36-year-old man identified by his surname Lee would face criminal charges without being detained.
They are accused of breaking into the security system of IP cameras set up at homes, libraries, aerobics halls and other private places to peep into privacy by finding out their administrator accounts and passwords. They allegedly watched taped images or monitored movements in real time, and police seized 888 videos.
IP cameras are widely used in homes and workplaces because they are relatively cheaper than closed-circuit-television (CCTV) cameras. They are much easier to use because they can be connected to the internet via a cable or wireless network.
IP cameras are more prone to hacking because of its connectivity. Tech firms found out that some IP camera makers have deliberately inserted backdoor programs so that they can take control of them whenever they want. There are also active websites showing random videos live streamed from hacked IP cameras.
Although excessive curiosity was cited as the main cause, police said some suspects are suspected of leaking videos through online video-sharing services. To avoid hacking, police suggested that users should change regularly with a complicated mix of alphabets and numerals.
Secret cameras used to take candid shots of women have been a social issue, although violators can be sentenced to or a maximum jail term of five years. Numerous cases have been reported.
President Moon Jae-in has called for "special" measures to curb sex crimes taking furtive pictures with secret or hidden cameras targeting young women at company bathrooms, public restrooms and other private places.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
