Exploiting security cameras to record sensitive images.
While installing cameras might seem like a way for users to protect themselves, in some cases, they are actually being spied on by the installers themselves.
Recently, in a private Facebook group, a user named BT Nhi posted two private videos of someone else naked. The poster identified themselves as a security camera installer.
The sensitive video was obtained from a customer's camera who had previously used the service provided by this person. "I work in networking and cameras, so whenever I see a house with a pretty woman, I add her login name and password to watch for fun"; "I've installed cameras in many houses' bedrooms, but they're all old women, so I don't like watching them," this person commented.
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| Two videos posted with offensive language were deleted after more than an hour. |
The post attracted many offensive comments from viewers, but the video was deleted an hour after it was posted. However, screenshots of the post were saved and widely shared, creating a wake-up call about the dangers lurking from the very security devices that protect people every day.
"The issue here lies in professional ethics, not camera security. Keeping login information confidential is something I and other technicians often do," said Nguyen Sy Hoang Long, who runs a security camera service business in Dong Nai.
According to Long, storing camera passwords allows service providers to easily perform remote maintenance if customers need it urgently. Furthermore, it helps prevent the risk of customers forgetting their passwords. "Only the manufacturer stores these passwords; if someone forgets them, it takes a lot of time and procedures to recover them," Long added.
There are two scenarios in which customers inadvertently reveal their login information. The first is when users keep the manufacturer's default password. "Some inexperienced technicians simply assemble the cameras without knowing how to change the password. Sometimes, technicians are too negligent or lazy to change the login information," Long said, referring to customers often leaving the default password.
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| Security cameras are used to protect families, but they can also be exploited by criminals. (Image)MailChimpi. |
In the second case, the customer requested a password change, but the technician assisted with the process. Afterward, the customer didn't change the password themselves, so the technician intentionally memorized it to log in.
"Both scenarios could lead to the homeowner's video data being leaked. However, the danger from the first scenario is higher and usually comes from hackers, who scan the device by manufacturer name, IP address, and default password," Long shared.
According to Mr. Long, users should protect themselves by asking the installer for instructions on how to change login information themselves. "Passwords should combine letters, numbers, and special characters. However, to avoid problems if you forget your password, users should store their login string in a safe place. If there are any remote warranty issues, provide this information. Change it back immediately after the process is complete," Mr. Long shared on how to protect your family's security devices.
Nowadays, users can equip their homes with a 4-camera system connected to their smartphones for just 6-8 million VND.
Most reputable brands from European and American countries are quite expensive. "These types are usually installed by corporate clients and companies because of their high resolution. For households that only need to monitor at short distances, they usually choose cheaper products from China," Long said.
Resolution is only one factor determining the price of a device. The rest lies in after-sales service and data storage servers. According to Mr. Long, reputable brands usually place their servers in Vietnam, ensuring high transmission speeds. They also invest in personnel to operate and protect these servers. With unregulated products, users cannot know who is holding their video or whether it is protected.
