Version 74: Discovered a live public webcam feed from a child’s room, reached out to ROGERS ISP for help, but received no assistance—what steps should I take next?

Concern Raised Over Public Webcam Access in Children’s Bedroom: Steps Taken

In a disturbing incident that underscores the importance of online privacy, a user recently discovered a public webcam stream from a child’s bedroom. The video feed potentially exposed sensitive personal information, raising immediate concerns for the safety and privacy of the child involved. The discovery was made while browsing through Shodan, a search engine that highlights Internet of Things (IoT) devices and their security vulnerabilities.

Initial Actions and ISP Response

Upon finding the live stream, the user took the responsible step of contacting the Internet Service Provider, Rogers Communications, to report the issue. Unfortunately, the initial response was underwhelming. The user recounted a frustrating interaction with customer support, which culminated in being referred to a supervisor without any substantive action taken. The user, residing in Austria, found it particularly disheartening that the support team seemed unable or unwilling to facilitate a solution.

Updates on Resolution Efforts

Fortunately, progress has emerged since the original outreach. As of January 26, it was reported that the webcam owner had been contacted and the video feed is now password-protected, indicating a swift response to the concerns raised. This update brings some relief, suggesting that the issue was taken seriously by the right parties.

In further developments, the user reported receiving communication from Rogers, indicating that the situation has been escalated and that they are actively engaging with the webcam owner. This is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of the vulnerable individuals potentially affected by the breach.

Continuing Advocacy and Support

The user’s efforts to raise awareness of the situation did not go unnoticed. They expressed gratitude for the support received from the online community, which included suggestions and offers of help. Additionally, they reached out to several organizations for further assistance, including the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Despite challenges in contacting local authorities, the user remains determined to see this matter resolved.

In light of these events, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance concerning internet privacy and security, particularly regarding the protection of children. It highlights the necessity for both internet service providers and users to be proactive in safeguarding personal information in an increasingly connected world.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The issue isn’t fully resolved, and the user remains committed to following up on this matter until all necessary precautions are firmly in place. They exhibited commendable responsibility by bringing this matter to light and taking appropriate action for the well-being of the affected

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One Comment

  1. Hi, thank you for sharing your detailed experience. Addressing issues related to publicly accessible IoT devices and webcams can be challenging, especially when ISP support is limited. Here are some steps you can take to further protect your privacy and help resolve this issue:

    • Report the vulnerability to the device manufacturer or webcam owner: If you have identified the manufacturer or contacted the owner, encourage them to secure the device. They should change default passwords, update firmware, and disable unnecessary network access.
    • Secure your own network: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong, unique password and WPA3 encryption if available. Segment IoT devices onto a separate network or VLAN to limit exposure.
    • Implement firewall and port management: Use your router’s firewall settings to block incoming connections to unknown cameras or IoT devices. Disable UPnP if not needed, as it can automatically open ports.
    • Use online IoT security tools: Tools like Shodan or Censys can help you discover if your devices are exposed on the internet. Regularly scan your network for vulnerabilities.
    • Document and escalate the issue: Keep detailed records of your findings and interactions with the ISP and authorities. If Rogers ISP was unhelpful, consider escalating the issue through consumer protection agencies or local authorities, as they may have protocols for cybersecurity

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