Vietnam sees surge in hacked home cameras, private footage leaked online

Footage from cameras inside bedrooms, kitchens, and other private spaces has been circulated on messaging apps and social media platforms, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper found out.

Some videos include images of minors, raising privacy and safety concerns.

In one case, a man in Ho Chi Minh City discovered footage of his kitchen shared in a chat group.

He later found more clips, including private videos of his daughter in her bedroom.

The man said he was unaware his home cameras had been compromised.

Hackers are reportedly selling access to home and business camera systems, including in spas and retail stores.

Some online groups require payment to access content, with fees ranging from VND150,000 (US$5.7) to VND800,000 ($30.6).

Vietnam had an estimated 20 million surveillance cameras in use in 2025, according to customs data.

A government report found that more than 800,000 Internet-connected cameras in the country were sharing data publicly, with 45 percent showing signs of security vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity experts say users often fail to change default passwords or secure devices with two-factor authentication, making them vulnerable to attacks.

Cheap or second-hand cameras without regular software updates are especially at risk.

On July 16, police in northern Tuyen Quang Province arrested two individuals accused of operating 387 websites that hosted more than 22,000 pornographic videos.

Authorities said some of the content had been obtained through hacked surveillance cameras.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said 68 percent of 9,600 Telegram channels it monitored were spreading harmful or illegal content, including hacked footage.

Experts recommend users change default credentials, install software updates, and avoid placing cameras in sensitive areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.