After dozens of sensitive clips were leaked, warnings about the risk of personal data being leaked from surveillance cameras

VHO - Surveillance cameras are one of the devices that are widely used by agencies, businesses, households, etc. However, besides the conveniences that this surveillance device brings, it also has the potential risk of personal data being leaked.

Due to server connection abroad

In Vietnam, it is estimated that there are tens of millions of cameras in use. However, 90% of surveillance cameras in Vietnam are imported from abroad. Some camera lines operate on the cloud mechanism, connecting to servers located abroad.

Users in Vietnam must “loop” through this server before connecting to the camera. Information going around the cloud of companies located abroad leads to information security risks. Personal information going through an intermediary step without security mechanisms will pose risks to users. Personal information and private behaviors can be made public when the transmission channel is blocked or the server is attacked.

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Unauthorized access

In addition, there are other reasons why images and clips from cameras are spread such as: Cameras are hacked remotely via the Internet. Many IP cameras (Wi-Fi connected, viewed via phone) have weak default passwords, for example "admin" or "123456", so they are easily attacked by hackers and personal data is stolen.

Hackers use global scanning software to find cameras with open public access ports, then log in illegally. After gaining access to the camera, hackers will directly view images and videos , then copy the data to their computers and distribute or sell clips on the "dark" network.

Leak from system administrator

Some service shops, stores or apartments install cameras and assign rights to the staff, so this person has full access. If the staff arbitrarily extracts the video, copies private clips or sells them to third parties, the data will be leaked.

This case belongs to the group of invasion of privacy and abuse of system administration rights.

Exposure due to unsafe data storage

Many establishments use memory cards, hard drives, or free cloud services without encrypting the data. If the device is lost or the cloud is compromised, the entire clip can be downloaded and distributed.

Some overseas cloud camera providers also sell user data to advertising or behavioral analytics partners, posing a widespread privacy risk.

How to prevent

To prevent personal images from being leaked when using surveillance cameras, users need to change the default password, use a strong password and two-factor authentication. Also, turn off remote access if not needed.

In addition, it is also necessary to set a rule: do not install cameras in private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms), because these are places where sensitive images can easily be captured.

Another way to prevent this is to buy equipment from a reputable brand with a security certificate and when using it, periodically check the access log and update the camera's control software.

If you discover that a personal image clip has been leaked, you should stop using the device, save evidence, and report to the authorities to clarify the cause and assist in the investigation.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/sau-vu-viec-hang-chuc-clip-nhay-cam-bi-phat-tan-canh-bao-nguy-co-lo-du-lieu-ca-nhan-tu-camera-giam-sat-179838.html