Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Irish CCTV cameras being streamed on Russian site

There are currently 53 Irish cameras on the website.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE installed security systems in their homes are being warned to have “robust” passwords after revelations that camera feeds were being made publicly available.

The Russian site streams thousands of webcams from around the world, most of which are CCTV. There are currently 53 Irish cameras on the site, but the Data Protection Commissioner says that there is nothing that they can do about it.

cot

In a statement to TheJournal.ie, they say that those who install the systems should be vigilant.

“As this website is based outside of Ireland, we would have no powers in relation to ordering takedown of such material. The general security advice provided in the UK Information Commissioner blogpost is consistent with our advice generally about using robust passwords and security settings.”

CCTV

“If a website based here operated by a legitimate organisation was publishing personal data of individuals gleaned illegally from these types of devices, there would be data protection issues.

“However, there would likely also be a role for other authorities also in relation to the matter, such as relevant police authorities, where it is established that published footage was illegally obtained or where the entity or individual behind the publication is not clear.”

The website shows live feeds of offices, living rooms, a nursery and numerous farms across Ireland.

Many people use the CCTV cameras as a low-cost security system, but neglect to ensure the security is tight enough.

The idea behind the website is not new, with commands available on search engines that show unsecured CCTV.

Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan

Read: Was the Russian government behind White House computer hacking?

Read: Phishing attacks are down, but be careful before Christmas

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
49 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:05 PM

    Stick a pro-Gay Rights sign in front of each camera. Problem solved.

    587
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daddy De La Noche
    Favourite Daddy De La Noche
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 5:43 PM

    And if that’s not enough play gay porn on your computer, your CCTV cameras will be removed from their websites and you will be banned from their websites haha.

    88
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cèith O Sirideain
    Favourite Cèith O Sirideain
    Report
    Nov 21st 2014, 1:08 AM

    That will also keep the Catholic church away too!!

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Mac Sweeney
    Favourite Shane Mac Sweeney
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:46 PM

    Who has cctv in their home kitchen?

    334
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keelan O'neill
    Favourite Keelan O'neill
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:47 PM

    Webcam more than likely

    157
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:47 PM

    That’s my gaf … Someone’s been nicking my beer.

    147
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Twink's Teddy
    Favourite Twink's Teddy
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:48 PM

    Probably IP cams, they have web interfaces so you can watch your house from the office, and they’re online 24/7.

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Phil Officer
    Favourite Mr Phil Officer
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:10 PM

    I don’t know much about technology but I have been informed that not only video feed can be obtained off web cams and other devices but audio as well through console head sets and device microphones. The fact is most people do not treat their security important enough so as to make sure this can’t happen.

    Ablitive/Frank should be on soon with tips to keep safe.

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Twink's Teddy
    Favourite Twink's Teddy
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:12 PM

    “I have been informed that not only video feed can be obtained off web cams and other devices but audio as well through console head sets and device microphones.”

    When there’s no one at home I usually check my cameras on my phone. Whenever I see the cat I call her using the inbuilt microphone & speaker. It’s funny watching her run around trying to find me.

    98
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Maverick O'Flaherty
    Favourite Brian Maverick O'Flaherty
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:34 PM

    Someone has been drinking my beer too. That GoldyLocked is at it again

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keelan O'neill
    Favourite Keelan O'neill
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:44 PM

    Holy sh!t

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Catherine Mayock
    Favourite Catherine Mayock
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:48 PM

    I,ll never walk around the house naked again…

    140
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ho Lee Fuk
    Favourite Ho Lee Fuk
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:55 PM

    Cheers!

    63
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan C Gantly
    Favourite Ronan C Gantly
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:00 PM

    Ah nooooo! !!haha

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Inntalitarian
    Favourite Inntalitarian
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:49 PM

    That is so creepy

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute fuve
    Favourite fuve
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 6:39 PM

    Pick your nose and eat it. That should creep the freaks out
    World just gets better and better. Yay

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anon Ymous
    Favourite Anon Ymous
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:08 PM

    Well, millions of people tune in to watch cr@p like ‘Big Brother’ every year. CCTV footage of people’s living rooms can’t be any more tedious or boring to watch… :-/

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pavel Shipilov
    Favourite Pavel Shipilov
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:46 PM

    What’s the address of that site?

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:49 PM
    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mick Fox
    Favourite Mick Fox
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:30 PM

    Dear All owners of webcams like this,

    While a strong password is absolutely required, it’s the equivalent of putting a good lock on the front door without checking for other ways into the house (e.g windows etc).

    There could be other ways to access your camera, and these ways could vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Unless you know what you are doing, you should consider carefully the possibility that this feed could be available to hackers.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Twink's Teddy
    Favourite Twink's Teddy
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:47 PM

    Is it any particular type/model of camera? I have two Foscams set up in the house

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin Barrett
    Favourite Colin Barrett
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:55 PM

    I know you do…

    360
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kp Gumbo
    Favourite Kp Gumbo
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:56 PM

    Change your default password

    30
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ho Lee Fuk
    Favourite Ho Lee Fuk
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 1:56 PM

    I know that you know,Colin!

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pinel G
    Favourite Pinel G
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:00 PM

    @Twink’s Teddy Yes the insecure cameras are by the manufacturers Foscam, Linksys, and Panasonic.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jonathan
    Favourite jonathan
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:01 PM

    The cause is people are using the default username and password if you change both you should be okay

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Twink's Teddy
    Favourite Twink's Teddy
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:13 PM

    Thanks, Pinel G, just checked that site and my cameras aren’t there.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Gormley
    Favourite Brian Gormley
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:32 PM

    Twinks teddy, foscams are the best for picture & sound could you let Catherine know who put them in for you

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Twink's Teddy
    Favourite Twink's Teddy
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:34 PM

    Brian, I installed them myself.

    Not an easy task I’ll add, you have to patch it in to your network, open ports in your firewall, set up the mail server, then you have to configure the software (The UI is all in pigeon English). Very user-unfriendly experience, I’d say it took me 6 hours per camera, and I work in computers.

    I wouldn’t recommend them to be honest, they are quite buggy and their support is useless. I have one on a timer, so it resets each day, and the other doesn’t send emails when it senses activity.

    It’s fun for annoying the cat though.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noreen Lunney
    Favourite Noreen Lunney
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 5:04 PM

    the web cam on my computer has come on by itself could that be a sign i have been hacked

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Clara Wolfe
    Favourite Clara Wolfe
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 7:51 PM

    So that explains my recent celebrity status in Russia. Hmmm

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute NoNeed4cryptoGreed
    Favourite NoNeed4cryptoGreed
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:10 PM

    Media reporting this all day and none of them think it’s a good idea to tell people that may be effected what site it is being streamed on. Brilliant

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:14 PM

    That’s because we don’t want to increase traffic to cameras that may be in people’s homes.

    Knowing the website will make no difference to those affected. If they update their security settings, the site won’t be able to access the feed.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute NoNeed4cryptoGreed
    Favourite NoNeed4cryptoGreed
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:17 PM

    The British Information Commissioner posted the link, would be totally pointless otherwise…

    7
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Twink's Teddy
    Favourite Twink's Teddy
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:37 PM

    “Knowing the website will make no difference to those affected.”

    It will, it will allow them take steps to cut them off from public access, plus, knowing the URL allowed me visit the site to ensure my cameras weren’t on the list.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elzbieta Kowalsky
    Favourite Elzbieta Kowalsky
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 3:44 PM

    and could you give me the URL so that I could check whether mine were online or not?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute _doesnotcompute
    Favourite _doesnotcompute
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:16 PM

    These cams are easy enough to find if you know the right search query.

    People need to understand that anything on their network is visible to the wider Internet unless they put it behind a NAT router

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mick Fox
    Favourite Mick Fox
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 2:31 PM

    A NAT router, or even a firewall isn’t going to help if there is a vulnerability in the HTTP server on the camera.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Isaac Smyth
    Favourite Isaac Smyth
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 5:10 PM

    All routers use Nat. Unless you’re in an ipv6 environment.

    7
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie O'reilly
    Favourite Eddie O'reilly
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 5:13 PM

    What the hell do the Russians want to see or anyone?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cèith O Sirideain
    Favourite Cèith O Sirideain
    Report
    Nov 21st 2014, 1:10 AM

    Does the Author Paul Hosford not know the difference between CCTV and Web cam’s ????
    #Head line #Change

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maciek Wincent
    Favourite Maciek Wincent
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 9:06 PM

    ye scared of Russians thousands of miles away? Sure your government is doing the same to you here in the state…

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Spratt
    Favourite Conor Spratt
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 10:38 PM

    Right time to f***ing kill Putin the little corrupt f***

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stuart Keegan
    Favourite Stuart Keegan
    Report
    Nov 20th 2014, 11:56 PM

    This was on the front page of the irish mail on Sunday 2 months ago so old news to be fair . If people choose to be lax with the security let them plenty of really world issues apart from some numptys CCTV … Another 1st world problem

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds