Home / Crime and Justice / South Korea: 120,000 IP Cameras Hacked for Illegal Content
South Korea: 120,000 IP Cameras Hacked for Illegal Content
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Four individuals allegedly hacked 120,000 IP cameras, many from homes and businesses.
- Stolen footage was used to create and sell illegal sexual content, including child exploitation material.
- The operation generated significant virtual asset profits for the suspects.
In a significant cybersecurity breach, four individuals in South Korea have been arrested for allegedly hacking into 120,000 IP cameras. These compromised devices were installed in various locations, including private residences, karaoke rooms, a Pilates studio, and a gynecologist's clinic, all found to have weak password security. The suspects exploited these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
The primary motive behind the extensive hacking appears to be the production and distribution of illegal sexual content. Investigators discovered that the stolen footage was edited into numerous videos, some of which were sold to an overseas platform specializing in illegal recordings. This operation allegedly generated substantial profits in virtual assets for the perpetrators.
This crackdown highlights a growing concern over the security of internet-connected devices and follows South Korea's recent enactment of legislation criminalizing the creation and dissemination of sexual deepfakes. Police are continuing to investigate related parties and have begun notifying affected locations to enhance their security measures.
