A man types on a computer keyboard in Warsaw in this February 28, 2013 illustration file picture
IN PHOTO: A man types on a computer keyboard in Warsaw in this February 28, 2013 illustration file picture. Reuters/Kacper Pempel/Files

A Russian Web site with a domain name registered in Cocos Islands, which is administered by Australia, has been offering Internet users live feeds of Web cams around the world. Poorly secured cameras in offices and homes from over 100 countries are being hacked to show footage without the owners' consent.

Australia has joined its voice with other countries in warning citizens that Web cams, security cameras and even baby monitors are not secure. Experts recommend people to change their passwords immediately.

According to The Australian, the site exploits the default passwords of the devices people use. Christopher Graham, information commissioner from Britain's Information Office, told ABC that the site is "very obscure" and he demanded that the Russians take it down immediately. Graham added that the case was a good example of the existing cooperation between the world's data protection authorities. He believes the streaming of live feeds from unsecured Web cams began in Macau in Hong Kong.

The commissioner said the international authorities had alerted the Australians who informed the Canadians. The British information office became aware of the Russian Web site when the Canadian authorities sent out a warning. Britain is planning to act on the matter with the aid of U.S. consumer protection agency Federal Trade Commission. Graham said the government wants to shut the site down.

The Russian Web site claims it was designed to "show the importance of security settings" as each live feed includes a map and postcode of the location. International media reports said the Web site streams 584 feeds from the U.K., 830 from Australia, 4591 from the U.S., 2050 from France and 870 from Japan.

The unsecured Web cams are vulnerable because administrators or owners forget to set a new password from online cameras, DVR or security surveillance systems. The Russian Web site contains feeds only from cameras with no passwords. Users who happen to see the site can simply select the country or camera they want to view. Authorities said the only way to remove a camera from the site is to change the default password.

Meanwhile, the U.S. company managing the top-level domain names registered in Cocos Islands will reportedly investigate the issue. Verisign will have to request a court order to remove the URL found to be engaged in illegal activities. Britain will join Australia, the U.S. and other countries in warning consumers about the site.