A Mom in Heuston, Texas, was horrified to discover that her twin daughters' room was being viewed online as part of a live stream. The mom found out the room was available for viewing after fellow mom, Shelby Ivie, came across it accidentally. According to US Weekly, the mother of three doesn't want her identity to be revealed and has only given media publications her first name - Jennifer. The mom installed Security Cameras in the family's home approximately four years ago to monitor her kids, and help keep them safe. Now, Jennifer is warning other parents about the dangers of security cameras in the home.
Mom is horrified to find out daughters' bedroom is on live stream
Jennifer discovered her 8-year-old daughters' bedroom was being watched online when Shelby Ivie came across it on a free application - Live Camera Viewer. Ivie, who is from Oregon, was viewing satellite pictures of the Earth with her son when she found the app and downloaded it to her phone. However, Ivie was shocked to discover a live stream of a child's bedroom as she was browsing through photographs.
The location of the room was visible to users of the app. A terrified Ivie frantically created a Facebook post, hoping to alert the parents. She shared the post on local news pages and in mother's groups. Jennifer realized the bedroom was her twins' when she spotted the post online.
Mom warns parents about dangers of security cameras in homes
Frightened mom Jennifer spoke to ABC News about the discovery on Thursday, August 10. The mom revealed security cameras had been installed in the home to protect the children. Jennifer said she feels she has failed as a parent and is shocked to think strangers were watching her kids in their room.
According to US Weekly, the app started live streaming the twins' bedroom on July 27. It is reported it received 571 likes.
Jennifer spoke to security experts after the incident, in an attempt to understand how her cameras were accessed. Experts told the mom it's possible their IP address was hacked while one of the children was playing an online game.
Disturbingly, if this happens, hackers can then access cameras inside the house and control them.
US Weekly spoke with CEO of IDTheftSecurity, Robert Siciliano, about the incident. Siciliano advised parents to change pre-set passwords when they buy security cameras and baby monitors. He added it's important to update software frequently and ensure Wi-Fi is password-protected.
