In a major incident highlighting ongoing security concerns, four individuals were apprehended after they hacked into approximately 120,000 home security cameras across South Korea. The footage obtained was reportedly used to create sexually exploitative material, as confirmed by the National Police Agency on Monday.
The cameras, typically intended for monitoring children and pets, were compromised due to weak passwords featuring repeated characters or sequential numbers. This breach is part of a broader issue in South Korea, where public apprehension regarding hidden cameras has persisted for years.
Among the arrested, one suspect earned around $12,000 from selling the footage to an international website dedicated to sharing illegal content, while another suspect profited even more. The police noted that these hackers operated independently.
This incident reflects a global trend in security vulnerabilities, reminiscent of the 2021 breach where hackers accessed 150,000 cameras manufactured by Verkada. The situation underscores the increasing risks associated with internet-connected devices in various settings.