Taking advantage of security cameras to record sensitive images

Recently in a private Facebook group, BT Nhi posted two private videos of other people in a nude state. The person who posted the article claimed to be a security camera installer.

The sensitive video was taken from the camera of a customer who used the service this person provided. "I work in the network and camera industry, so whenever there is a pretty woman in a house, I add her username and password to watch for fun"; "I have installed cameras in many bedrooms, but they are all old so I don't like to watch them", this person commented.

The post attracted many rude comments from viewers, but after an hour of posting, the video was deleted. However, screenshots of the post were saved and widely shared by many people, creating a warning bell about the dangers lurking from the security devices that protect you every day.

"The problem here is professional ethics, not camera security. Keeping login information is something I and other technicians often do," said Nguyen Sy Hoang Long, a security camera service business in Dong Nai.

According to Mr. Long, storing the camera password helps the service provider easily maintain it remotely if the customer needs it urgently. In addition, the service provider can prevent the risk of forgetting the customer's password. "Only the company stores this password, if you forget it, it will take a lot of time and procedures to recover it," Mr. Long added.

There are two cases where customers reveal their login information. In the first case, users keep the default password from the manufacturer. "Some new workers are not knowledgeable, they just install the camera without knowing how to change the password. Sometimes the workers are too irresponsible, lazy to change the login information," Mr. Long said about customers often leaving the default password.

In the second case, the customer requested to change the password, but the technician was the one who supported this. Then the customer did not change the new password himself, the technician deliberately remembered to log in.

"Both cases can lead to the homeowner's video data being exposed. However, the danger from case one is higher and often comes from hackers, by scanning the device by brand name, IP and default password," Mr. Long shared.

According to Mr. Long, users should protect themselves by asking the installer for instructions on how to change their login information themselves. "Passwords need to combine letters, numbers, and special characters. However, to avoid trouble when forgetting the password, users should store the login string in a safe place. If there is a problem with the remote warranty, provide the information. Once finished, change it immediately," Mr. Long shared how to protect his family's security devices.

Nowadays, users only need to spend 6-8 million VND to equip their home with a 4-camera system connected to a smartphone.

Most reputable brands from European and American countries have quite high prices. "These types are often installed by customers who are agencies and companies because of their high resolution. For households who only need to observe within a short distance, they often choose cheaper products from China," said Mr. Long.

Resolution is only one part of the price of the device. The rest depends on after-sales service and data storage servers. According to Mr. Long, reputable brands often place servers in Vietnam, ensuring transmission speed. In addition, they invest in human resources to operate and protect this server. With floating goods, users will not be able to know who owns their videos and whether they are protected or not.