The danger of not changing the default passwords on digital equipment is finally hitting home, after a hacker published the video streams of webcams onto the internet. Anyone who had purchased an online webcam with remote viewing capabilities was at risk.

The hacker from Russia decided to take action to expose the cameras. He programmed a script to search the world for any webcams connected to the internet, and then gained access to them by using a default password set by the manufacturers. This password is publicly available, so anyone could have been accessing these cameras at any time without the owners knowing.

According to a study, many users cover up their webcams because they fear cyber-spies could be monitoring them via their computers. This is no idle concern – webcams can often become effective tools for cybercriminals. The study found that nearly a quarter of users are completely unaware that they could be watched via a webcam.

It’s important to remember that hackers do not exclusively target public figures – anyone is potentially of interest. There are different reasons for hacking webcams. Cybercriminals can use them to steal company secrets or gain access to financial services. Sometimes careless users make this task even easier. 

UK to take action to close down Russian website streaming images from British webcams including baby monitors and those in gyms and bedrooms. The UK is to take international action to close down a Russian website that is streaming images from British webcams including baby monitors, bedroom cameras and gym.

The site feature live feeds from households and businesses across the world, including a gym in Manchester, a bedroom in Birmingham and an office in Leicester. The site highlighted the importance of setting secure passwords on devices that have access to the internet. It has become the source of concern for data watchdogs across the world.