This article explores how to check for IP camera hacking threats linked to your IP address. Internet-connected IP cameras are widely used in homes, businesses, and healthcare facilities for their convenience, enabling users to view live or recorded footage anytime through mobile devices or PCs.
However, the rising threat of IP camera hacking has raised concerns, with incidents involving vulnerabilities in devices from certain manufacturers or hacking groups being reported globally. Criminal IP, a search engine for identifying publicly accessible internet assets, recently reported that over2.62 million IP cameras worldwide are exposed to potential threats, with more than 250,000 cameras in South Korea at risk.
Why Do IP Cameras Get Hacked?
Unlike closed-circuit systems, IP cameras require an internet connection, which makes them vulnerable to external threats. While this connectivity enables convenient features like remote home monitoring, checking on pets, or overseeing activities, it also exposes the devices to hacking risks. Here are some common causes of IP camera hacking:
- No Password Set
- Weak or Default Passwords
- Unrestricted External Access
- Outdated Security Patches
When users first purchase an IP camera and connect it to the internet, it often lacks a properly configured administrator password. In many cases, the default password remains unchanged, set to something like “admin,” “0000,” or even the product name, leaving the device highly vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Security patches often require manual updates and are not always applied automatically. Using an IP camera without the latest patches leaves it vulnerable, significantly increasing the risk of hacking and data breaches.
While identifying and addressing the root cause is essential, the first step is to check whether your device is currently exposed to threats. With the simple self-diagnosis methods outlined below, you can quickly identify and mitigate potential risks to your IP camera.
How to Check If Your IP Camera Is Hacked: A Security Assessment Guide
You can easily verify if your IP camera is vulnerable using the Criminal IP platform:
1. Use a PC or laptop connected to the same router as the IP camera.
Using a device with the same IP address as your camera simplifies the diagnosis process. Even if you are away from the camera’s location, you can still proceed with the check as long as you know the connected IP address.
2. Visit the Criminal IP platform at www.criminalip.io.
You can access the platform by searching for “Criminal IP” on Google or other search engines, or by directly entering the URL into your browser’s address bar.
3. Click ‘Look up my IP address’ on the main search bar.
On the main search interface, find the “Look up my IP address” button below the search bar. If you’re using a PC or laptop connected to the same network as your IP camera, this feature will automatically populate the relevant IP address for your convenience.
If you’re accessing the platform remotely, you can manually input the IP address associated with your camera to perform the check.
4. Review the Threat Intelligence Report by clicking the search button ‘→’.
Click the arrow button next to the search bar to access the Threat Intelligence Report for your IP address. This report provides detailed insights about your IP address, designed for security professionals and researchers.
5. Determine if your IP camera is exposed.
The report on the left shows a normal home IP address where the IP camera is not exposed, while the report on the right indicates an IP address where the IP camera is exposed.
For a secure IP address, the report will not display any tags or indicators at the top of the scoring section. This means your IP camera is not accessible from external sources.
In contrast, if the IP address is exposed, the report will show a “Tag: IP Camera” at the top of the scoring section. Additionally, it will reveal information about open ports, indicating that the device is accessible from the outside.
By reviewing the self-diagnosis results, you can determine whether your IP camera requires a security assessment.
Checklist for Securing Exposed IP Cameras
If your IP camera is found to be at risk, take these steps immediately:
- Disable Port Forwarding: Turn off external access features in your router settings.
- Change Passwords: Update the camera’s administrator credentials to a strong, unique password.
- Apply Security Patches: Install the latest firmware updates from the camera manufacturer.
For more information, refer to CCTV Server Security: Countering CCTV Camera Exposure Threats With Threat Intelligence.
This report is based on data from Criminal IP, a Cyber Threat Intelligence search engine. Sign up for a free Criminal IP account today to explore the search results mentioned in the report and delve into comprehensive threat intelligence.
Source: Criminal IP(https://www.criminalip.io/)
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