Seoul | South Korean police have arrested four individuals in connection with the hacking of more than 120,000 video cameras across homes and businesses, allegedly using the footage to produce sexually exploitative material for an overseas website. The case highlights serious concerns over digital security and personal privacy.
Authorities said the suspects exploited vulnerabilities in Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, including weak or easily guessable passwords. IP cameras, often referred to as home cameras, are widely used for security purposes and to monitor the safety of children and pets.
The hacked devices included private residences, karaoke rooms, Pilates studios, and gynecologists’ clinics. According to a statement from the National Police Agency of South Korea, the four suspects acted independently and there is no evidence of a coordinated conspiracy among them.
Officials revealed that one suspect hacked 63,000 cameras and produced 545 videos, which were sold for 35 million won (approximately $12,235) in virtual assets. Another individual hacked 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos worth around 18 million won. Together, these two suspects were responsible for nearly 62 percent of the illicit video content uploaded over the past year on the website.
The police are now working to shut down the website and are cooperating with international agencies to investigate its operators. In addition, three individuals have been arrested for purchasing or viewing material from the site.
Park Woo-hyun, Chief of Cyber Investigations at the National Police Agency, stated, “IP camera hacking and illegal filming cause immense suffering to victims and are therefore serious offenses. We will eradicate such crimes through rigorous investigation. Viewing and possessing illegally filmed content is also a severe crime, and we will actively pursue these cases.”
Authorities have personally notified victims at 58 locations and provided guidance on changing passwords. They are also assisting victims in deleting and blocking content and identifying other potentially affected individuals.
The National Police Agency emphasized that “It is critical for individuals and businesses with IP cameras to remain vigilant and regularly update their access passwords, as this is the most effective protection against hacking.”
Experts say the case underscores the growing need for robust digital security and privacy laws in South Korea. With the rapid expansion of internet-connected devices, even minor security lapses can result in massive breaches and erosion of public trust.
Overall, the incident sends a clear message that protecting digital devices and personal data is not merely a technical issue but also a legal and societal responsibility. Proactive policing, regular audits, and user awareness are crucial in preventing such crimes and safeguarding sensitive information in the modern digital era.
