80% of Chinese Internet Cameras Exposed to Hacking Risk
About 500 Videos in Korean Category Only
More than 80% of Chinese-made IP cameras (internet cameras) used as closed-circuit (CC)TVs in South Korea are exposed to hacking risks, and hacked footage is reportedly being shared on Chinese pornographic websites.
According to a report by Weekly Chosun on the 29th, from the 6th to the 25th of this month, numerous videos obtained from public places and homes equipped with wall-mounted home network devices called wall pads were uploaded on a Chinese pornographic site. As of the 26th, approximately 800 hacked IP camera videos containing specific locations, dates, and personal information were shared on this site. About 500 of these videos fell under the "Korean" category.
The videos included spaces frequently visited by Koreans such as Pilates or pole dance studios, room cafes, coin karaoke rooms, rental party rooms, and pension swimming pools, as well as places where parts of the body could be exposed, such as obstetrics delivery rooms, clothing stores, and waxing shops. Among these were videos with titles specifying exact locations or personal information, such as the injection room of Hospital A in Gangnam and the locker room of Sports Center B in Seoul.
Each video was edited to include groups ranging from at least two to over twenty people. This suggests that the number of Korean victims of IP camera hacking on this site alone is estimated to be at least 1,000 cases. Additionally, new videos were being uploaded every 2 to 3 days, one or two at a time.
The problem is that there are quite a few Koreans searching for these hacked Chinese videos. On the inquiry board of the site, many Korean comments requesting videos were found, such as "Thank you for always uploading good materials," "I hope more coin karaoke and karaoke room videos are uploaded more frequently," and "Please upload videos of dance, gymnastics, and changing rooms if available."
Furthermore, when China hacks IP camera videos and shares them on pornographic sites or posts sales listings on the dark web or Telegram, it has been found that domestic pornographic site operators often replicate or purchase these videos with cryptocurrency and distribute them.
The reason for the high number of Chinese-origin IP camera hacks is related to the market share of domestic IP cameras. Currently, it is estimated that 80% of IP cameras in South Korea are Chinese-made. Dongjin Han, CEO of the advanced security technology company 'Jison,' pointed out, "There are many cases where data from Chinese-made IP cameras is transmitted to China, raising security concerns."
Experts advise that to reduce IP camera hacking damage, users should change the initial ID, password, and server settings of IP cameras frequently, perform updates regularly, and use domestically certified products, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
