

Last year, nearly 100 people worldwide were arrested in an operation targeting the developers and users of Blackshades, a kit of malware tools sold online that easily enables webcam hacking. Amateur hackers, script kiddies, or activists can obtain prepackaged web-hosted applications or watch free instructional videos with minimal technical expertise. Some websites offer training and software for as little as $5.
#IP CAM HACKING HOW TO#
There are dozens of public forums that explain how to undertake IP camera trolling and webcam trolling. One webcam hacking incident in 2010 began with a social engineering campaign that spread a virus that allowed the hacker to gain total control over the computer. They can also utilize search engines such as to find exploits on forums or YouTube, or buy tools that are designed to probe IP addresses. Malicious hackers can breach webcams a variety of ways, typically using phishing and social engineering attacks.

Breached IP cameras are often connected using an unsecure Wi-Fi signal or are broadcasting online via obscure, though discoverable, applications that do not require secure credentials to use. Webcam hacking occurs when a malicious actor gains unlawful access to an IP camera through a baby monitor, security camera, or integrated webcam in a laptop monitor, for example. While instances of webcam hacking aren’t new, toys like this and a recent uptick in IP camera trolling and webcam hacking cases highlights the vulnerabilities in unsecured Internet-connected cameras and microphones, no matter where they’re found. Mattel claims the doll is perfectly safe, but social media has been ablaze with a campaign focused on the potential threats to privacy that it poses. At the push of a button, the doll records whatever a child says and sends it via Wi-Fi to the cloud, resulting in a computer-generated response that offers the illusion of an actual conversation. A new doll from Mattel, the “Hello Barbie,” available in December, demonstrates just how ubiquitous Internet-connected webcams and microphones are becoming.
