Version 67: Discovered a live public webcam feed from a child’s room and reached out to ROGERS.com support—they showed little concern. What steps should I take next?

Taking Action Against Public Webcam Broadcasts: A Concerning Find

Recently, I encountered a troubling situation that all parents and tech enthusiasts should be aware of—a public webcam stream originating from a child’s bedroom. This alarming discovery was made while exploring shodan.io, a security search engine that identifies internet-connected devices and their vulnerabilities. My heart sank as I realized the implications of such exposure, prompting me to reach out to the internet service provider involved—Rogers, based in Canada.

The Quest for Help

Upon discovering the webcam feed, I contacted Rogers’ customer support, hoping they could assist in resolving this crucial privacy issue. To my dismay, the initial response was inadequate. The first representative referred me to a supervisor, and after a lengthy half-hour conversation, I found myself frustrated. Instead of taking immediate action, I was advised to contact local authorities—neither of which provided a proactive solution.

Feeling disheartened, I decided to share my conversation transcript with the community, seeking advice and insight on how to handle this serious situation effectively. I believe that the owners of the webcam, likely unaware of its public availability, need to be alerted.

Progress Made

As I continued my efforts to make sure the child’s privacy was upheld, I penned an update on the situation:

  • January 26 Update: The webcam owner has been notified, and the video feed is now secured with a password. This is a significant step forward in protecting the child’s privacy!

Moreover, I received communication from Rogers stating that they would escalate the matter further and reach out to the webcam owner directly. Their acknowledgment of the situation brought some relief, but I recognize the importance of ongoing vigilance.

Extended Outreach

To ensure this issue receives the attention it warrants, I reached out to several organizations and authorities, including:

  • [email protected]
  • The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
  • Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

Additionally, I attempted to contact Canadian law enforcement through the provided number (613-993-7267), but faced difficulties in getting through. While this was not an emergency, I am contemplating further contact efforts, using the emergency line if necessary, to escalate the matter swiftly.

Closing Remarks

I genuinely appreciate all the support and advice from the community. This situation highlights the alarming risks associated with IoT devices and the importance of being vigilant about online privacy. It’s vital to educate ourselves and others about these risks, ensuring that all

Share this content:

One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing your detailed experience and raising awareness about this critical privacy issue.

    Addressing publicly accessible webcams, especially those involving minors, is a serious matter. Here are some additional steps you can consider to help protect the child’s privacy and ensure the issue is addressed effectively:

    • Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with Rogers, authorities, and any other organizations involved. This can be useful if further action is needed.
    • Report the vulnerability to internet security organizations: Consider notifying organizations like the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange or your local CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team). They can assist with broader responsible disclosures.
    • Notify the device owner if possible: Once the webcam owner is identified, politely inform them of the exposure and suggest steps to secure their device, such as changing default passwords, updating firmware, and disabling remote access if unnecessary.
    • Increase awareness about IoT device security: Sharing your experience publicly (through forums or social media) can help educate others about securing connected devices to prevent similar issues.
    • Follow up with authorities and companies: Persistently engage with Rogers support and law enforcement, emphasizing the potential harm and the need for swift action. Use official complaint channels if initial responses are inadequate.
    • Consider legal advice: If the situation remains unresolved

Leave a Reply to [email protected] Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *