Abu Dhabi: Residents have been urged to change the default username and password once they purchase a CCTV surveillance camera as a loophole has been discovered that allows strangers to access footage from the cameras in case the default settings are not changed.
The loophole was discovered by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Abu Dhabi Police that found out that footage from CCTV cameras used in homes, schools, and companies can be accessed by anyone who has the default username and password.
The CID said that the hackers tend to be from foreign countries, and that they use various search engines that can access CCTV cameras, and invade individuals’ private lives by monitoring them and taking pictures without them noticing. Hackers can then use such footage for criminal purposes such as bribery.
According to the CID, manufacturers allow search engines to list their websites, and this allows hackers access to information such as where the cameras are being used as well as the default username and password for each camera.
The police have thus urged owners of CCTV cameras to change the username and password provided by the manufacturer.
They have also urged manufacturers to inform owners and buyers of CCTV about the importance of setting a new username and password that are only known to the camera owners.
The police added that such cameras should not be purchased from stores that sell knockoffs at cheap prices and that once purchased, the cameras should be properly installed by professionals.
Additionally, the police stressed the need for caution in handling the cameras and accessing the control unit, as well as the need to change the password on a regular basis to shield the footage from hackers.
