The State Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan has taken cybersecurity measures in response to the interception and unauthorized distribution of footage from video surveillance cameras, the SSS told AZERTAC.

Comprehensive efforts to counter cyber threats are ongoing, with recent operational and technical measures addressing unauthorized remote access to digital video recorders (DVRs) connected to surveillance cameras installed in various offices and residential apartments across Azerbaijan.

These illegal activities involved capturing footage that violated the privacy of individuals’ personal and family lives and posting this material on foreign internet platforms.

Investigations revealed that user accounts enabling real-time monitoring of surveillance cameras at various Azerbaijani addresses were also being put up for sale online.

In response, the SSS, in collaboration with relevant state authorities, acted swiftly to mitigate the impact of the cyber breaches. The locations of compromised surveillance systems were identified, and a general security vulnerability in the devices was uncovered during a technical inspection. This vulnerability was determined to be the key factor behind the cyberattacks.

The SSS has formally requested that the foreign manufacturer of the affected equipment address and rectify the identified security flaw. Furthermore, the video content captured through the compromised cameras has been removed from foreign internet platforms.

Citizens are advised to adhere strictly to regulations concerning the use of information and communication technologies and to exercise caution when installing devices of unknown origin or with unclear technical specifications.