Have A Webcam? Better Put A Password On It, Because Someone Could Be Watching You
Through the magic of the Internet, we can speak to friends and family across the globe by flipping on our webcams, but it seems that this power comes with a price.
A website called Shodan purports itself to be a search engine for “internet-connected devices,” which basically means that all anyone has to do is run a search and they can view you through your own webcam. No biggie…someone just might be watching you right now.
Shodan was created in 2009, and it allows users to search for any device that is connected to the Internet. Unfortunately, that applies to webcams.
By simply typing in names, users have access to millions of webcams across the globe. Owners may not even be aware that their webcams are on and active.
Someone peeping on you while you’re changing may even be the least creepy thing about it. Shodan users are also provided with the date, time, and IP address of each device, which can be used to find your location.
If you have a webcam, you should probably make sure that it is password protected. Webcam vendors fail to mention this on their packaging, as it would cost them money.
(via Quartz)
Shodan offers limited access to webcams for free, but unlimited access costs almost nothing. Let’s just say that it’s definitely not enough to keep weirdos and pervs from peeking into your life. Get a password!
Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/shodan/
