Major Security Breach: Over 120,000 CCTVs Hacked in South Korea for Creating Illegal Sexual Content

In South Korea, more than 120,000 surveillance cameras installed in private homes and business establishments have been compromised by hackers. These cybercriminals exploited the footage to produce and market sexually explicit content on various online platforms.

Law enforcement officials have detained four suspects in relation to this extensive security breach. The perpetrators exploited vulnerabilities in IP camera systems, particularly targeting devices with predictable or factory-set passwords. According to BBC reports, they specifically focused on more affordable IP cameras, which serve as cost-effective substitutes for conventional CCTV systems.

The National Police Agency's cyber investigation director, Park Woo-hyun, emphasized: "IP camera hacking and unauthorized recording cause tremendous pain to victims and constitute serious criminal offenses. We are committed to eliminating these practices through thorough investigations."

He also added: "Viewing and possessing illegally recorded videos also qualify as severe crimes, which we will actively pursue."

The compromised surveillance devices were discovered in numerous sensitive locations, including private residences, karaoke establishments, a Pilates facility, and even a gynecological clinic.

One of the suspects allegedly infiltrated 63,000 cameras and created 545 sexually explicit videos, generating approximately 35 million won (equivalent to about Rs 21 lakh) in illicit sales. Another suspect reportedly compromised 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won (approximately Rs 10.8 lakh).

Together, these two individuals were responsible for roughly 62 percent of all videos uploaded to a particular website over the past year.

Police representatives stated they have reached out to victims across 58 locations, providing guidance on password security and assisting with the removal of stolen content from online platforms. They continue their efforts to identify additional victims affected by these security breaches.

The National Police Agency has issued urgent warnings to IP camera owners, both residential and commercial, advising them to remain vigilant and implement regular password changes, as reported by The Independent.

In a separate cybersecurity incident, a major data breach at Coupang, a prominent South Korean e-commerce company, exposed the personal information of over 33 million customers. This incident is considered the most severe data breach in South Korea in more than a decade.