Webcam hack uncovered: how you can protect yourself

Webcam users are being advised to check their online security after the discovery of a website broadcasting live feeds from private cameras, baby monitors and CCTV systems.

The site, based in Russia, was found to be streaming video from webcams around the world that use default passwords or no log-in details at all, the BBC reports.

Some streams from the UK include:

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• a shop in London
• a gym located in Manchester
• the bedroom of a child in Birmingham
• a pub in Salford
• an office in Warwickshire

The UK is currently taking action to try to get the site closed down, The Guardian reports. The UK's information commissioner Christopher Graham urged Russian authorities to act immediately.

In the meantime, the commissioner warned the public to take action to ensure any web-enabled devices are secure.

"We now want to take very prompt action working with the Federal Trade Commission in the States to get this thing closed down," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "But the more important thing is to get the message out to consumers to take those security measures. If you don't need remote access to a webcam then switch off that function altogether."

The Information Commissioner's Office put together information on how to set up secure passwords and how to maintain online privacy.

The ICO's advice includes:

• choose strong passwords. Don't use easily guessable strings of letters or numbers such as '12345' or 'qwerty'. A combination of numerals, letters and symbols is best. And don't use words that are easily associated with you. Ideally don't use any words that can be found in the dictionary at all.
• don't use the same password across all your devices and services.
• if you have a camera in your home, turn its remote viewing options off, or if you cannot work out how to do it, cover the lens.
• if you use cloud services to store information, consider introducing two-step authentication. This will require you to enter an extra code when logging in, but could help protect you from being hacked.