The government advised security measures for about 120,000 vulnerable IP cameras to minimise hacking damage and plans to mandate certified security products in facilities closely tied to daily life.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Personal Information Protection Commission, the Korea Communications Commission and the National Police Agency said on Dec. 7 they prepared follow‑up actions to strengthen IP camera security. They said the measures followed continued hacking cases and slow progress on steps announced in November last year, which left the public exposed.

Police found that suspects arrested for IP camera hacking had accessed about 120,000 cameras that used simple passwords and were at further risk. The government will work with telecom firms to identify users through IP information and advise them to change IDs and passwords.

Authorities will delete and block sexually exploitative videos, and provide legal, medical and counselling support for victims. They will also conduct priority inspections of high‑risk sites for possible violations of the Personal Information Protection Act. They will strengthen investigations into IP camera hacking, video leaks, illegal sites selling or distributing such content, and purchasing or possessing the material.

A security survey found low awareness among installation firms of the need for security measures and low interest among users in implementing them. The government will distribute an IP camera installation and operation security guide to installers and hold offline briefings.

It will also notify key sectors with high crime potential of their duty to ensure safety under the Personal Information Protection Act and continue to provide IP camera security guidelines. It will offer on‑site training for older people and farmers and fishers through digital learning centres.

Authorities will carry out joint inspections across ministries, implement corrective steps, issue guidance on common violations and required actions, and conduct full checks on the security of major products and disclose the results.

The government will quickly push legislation requiring IP cameras in everyday facilities such as hospitals, swimming pools and postpartum care centres to use certified secure products. It will also work on legal revisions requiring complex password functions at the design stage and consult manufacturers so the feature can apply to existing products.

It will seek improved technology to block illegal sites and continue discussions with manufacturers and online platforms to ensure security guidelines are provided from the purchase stage of IP cameras.

Choi Woo Hyuk, director general for network policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said it is important to secure vulnerable IP cameras operated in South Korea and urged users to change IDs and passwords. He said the ministry will work with related agencies to ensure the safety of IP cameras closely tied to daily life.