Prof Carsten Maple, Professor of Cyber Systems Engineering at WMG/University of Warwick, has provided expert analysis following the news that Russian websites have hacked cameras and are streaming live video feeds:

"The news that Russian websites have hacked cameras and are streaming live video feeds comes as no surprise. The ability to exploit and remotely access webcams has been around for many years. We live in an increasingly open society where viewing of reality shows is commonplace across the globe and this is an extension of that. Unfortunately, vulnerabilities in systems have allowed people access to your camera that you certainly would not want to have. We need to ensure that users regularly update software and operating systems to ensure that any flaws are patched. Equally it is important that good passwords are used rather than remaining with default settings on computer systems."

- About Professor Maple:

Prof Carsten Maple has an international research reputation and extensive experience of interacting with external agencies. He has published over 200 peer reviewed papers and is co-author of the UK Security Breach Investigations Report 2010, supported by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Police Central e-crime Unit. Carsten is also co-author of Cyberstalking in the UK, a report supported by the Crown Prosecution Service and Network for Surviving Stalking. His research has attracted millions of pounds in funding and has been widely reported through the media. He has given evidence to government committees on issues of anonymity, child safety online. He works with various departments such as the Association of Chief Police Officers, the College of Policing, Interpol, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Department of Business Innovation and Skills, to name a few. Additionally he has advised executive and non-executive directors of public sector organisations and multibillion pound private organisations.

To speak with Professor Carsten please contact:

Tom Frew - International Press Officer, University of Warwick;

a dot t dot frew at warwick dot ac dot uk

+44 (0) 2476575910

+44 (0) 7785433155

Prof Carsten Maple:

Carsten dot Maple at warwick dot ac dot uk

+44 (0) 7850297725