The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) is conducting a security survey on IP cameras. This survey aims to prevent privacy invasion incidents caused by IP camera hacking and video leaks, and to create a safer usage environment. The agency plans to inspect security vulnerabilities in domestically distributed products and enterprise-installed IP cameras, providing security guidelines to manufacturers and installation companies.
The survey targets IP camera products distributed through domestic online shopping malls and overseas direct purchase platforms. To achieve this, the agency will select top-selling products by distribution channel and analyze more than 500 devices. Key inspection items include ▲weak password usage, ▲status of video information protection measures, and ▲external access restrictions. Since products with poor security settings are more vulnerable to hacking, KISA plans to thoroughly evaluate the security levels of each product. For overseas direct purchase products, if direct collaboration with manufacturers is difficult, the survey will be conducted using product manuals and official website information.
The security status of IP cameras used by enterprises is also included in the survey. For this, KISA will select over 4,000 companies that have installed enterprise IP cameras as of 2024. The main inspection points will be whether proper security settings are applied during the initial setup and maintenance process, including ▲product selection criteria, ▲post-installation security measures, and ▲security patching and maintenance management. Additionally, KISA plans to establish a continuous communication system with installation companies to support ongoing security measures and management.
If security vulnerabilities are found during the survey, KISA will notify the manufacturers and installation companies, requesting security improvements. Furthermore, the agency will develop and distribute security guidelines to help manufacturers and installation companies preemptively address vulnerabilities and enhance security. These guidelines will include essential security settings and procedures for IP camera deployment and maintenance.
KISA’s security survey is expected to serve as a crucial step in systematically identifying and addressing IP camera security vulnerabilities. The identified vulnerabilities and statistical data will be utilized for future security policy development and response strategies.
Although IP cameras are widely used in homes and businesses, systematic security management has been lacking, leading to recurring social issues such as hacking and privacy breaches. Several incidents have already been reported, but it is never too late to strengthen security. It remains to be seen whether KISA’s survey will lead to practical measures to enhance IP camera security.
