The ICO have issued advice to users of webcams to change their passwords as they are aware that there is a new website that is streaming live footage obtained from insecure cameras across the world.
Warnings were issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who have reported that there is a Russian based website which is obtaining the live feeds by accessing the cameras using the devices’ default log-in credentials.
The footage is being collected from security cameras used by both members of the public and businesses and includes everything from CCTV cameras used to secure business premises to baby monitors.
The action that members of the public and businesses should take if they are worried that they may be at risk is to change the default password for the device to a strong password.
They also said if you have a camera in your home/business and have no intention of viewing the footage over the internet, then the best thing to do is to go into the device’s security settings and see if you can turn the remote viewing option off.
Below is advice from the ICO for creating strong passwords.
- When choosing your password make sure it’s not one that can be easily guessed.
- Best practice is to use a password that contains a mixture of lower and upper case numbers, letters and characters – if you don’t; you’re potentially leaving your information vulnerable.
You can find further advice to help you protect your personal information online and when using other electronic devices on the ICO website.
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To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
