Video Surfers Can Watch Security Cams Without Permission

Google Allows to Find Network Attached Cams

by Anton Shilov

[ 01/11/2005 | 12:56 PM ]

While web-cams used for security reasons and connected to the web can actually provide some additional security in addition to professional services, sometimes they can actually compromise safety, as some skilled users have learnt how to find, use and control networked cams around the globe using Google search system.

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“Searching on certain strings within a URL sniffs out networked cameras that have Web interfaces permitting their owners to view them remotely, and even direct the cameras’ motorized pan-and-tilt mechanisms from the comfort of their own desktop. Video surfers are using this knowledge to peek in on office and restaurant interiors, a Japanese barnyard, women doing laundry, the interior of an Internet collocation facility, and a cage full of rodents, among other things, in locales scattered around the world,” claims The Register web-site.

• The Register: Google Exposes Web Surveillance Cams.
• Boing Boing: More Googleable Unsecured Webcams.