Is your webcam a Trojan Horse for hackers, voyeurs and spies? Hundreds of Hong Kong households seen by strangers online via Shodan search engine
Cybersecurity experts warn that the search engine, which offers free and paid services, could be exploited by paedophiles, even terrorists, after site offers free views via unsecured cameras
Internet users in Hong Kong, China and elsewhere are at risk of being spied on through unsecured webcams courtesy of a new service being offered by Internet of Things search engine Shodan.
As the world marks Data Privacy Day today, local cyber security experts are warning of unsuspecting users of webcams having their privacy invaded by people finding their cameras listed via a new type of search engine.
The newly added service lets US-based Shodan’s users around the world view screenshots posted on its site of people conducting their daily affairs at home, in the office or any place where unsecured closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) or external webcams are in place.
A quick search this morning by the South China Morning Post for screenshots originating in Hong Kong turned up 161 results – with most coming from security cameras and webcams in residential homes and offices.
Every screenshot is furnished with an IP address and most pinpoint the device’s location in the city, at least down to the district. A mother carrying her child is captured in one image, and the accompanying information suggests they are located somewhere in the city’s Central district.
Even more disconcertingly, the Post was able to access 50 of the Hong Kong screenshots simply by signing up for the site’s free - not paid - service.