You use your computer daily, but I bet you rarely, if ever, consider that someone could spy on you through your built-in camera on a laptop or a standalone camera that connects via USB. is Worse, you won’t even know it.
Your webcam can seriously threaten your privacy, and you always want to make sure that no one is spying on you.
Even Mark Zuckerberg has been known to cover his laptop camera. If the CEO of tech social media giant Facebook knows the risks, so should you.
What is at risk if someone hacks into my laptop camera?
If someone hacks into your webcam, it can not only compromise your security. This is an invasion of privacy, and someone can see you without your knowledge or consent.
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This may include seeing you in your personal space or capturing sensitive information such as passwords, bank account information or private conversations.
If someone hacks into your webcam, it can not only compromise your security. This is an invasion of privacy, and someone can see you without your knowledge or consent. (Kurt Knutson)
If someone records footage of you being compromised, they can use it to blackmail you or extort money or other demands, which is often the intent of a criminal hacker.
With hackers accessing your webcam, they are likely to swipe additional personal information on your computer, which can be used for identity theft.
Additionally, hacking into your webcam can be a way for hackers to install malware or viruses on your computer, which can further damage your system or steal additional data. On an emotional level, it can make you feel shaken and abused.
How to know if someone has hacked your webcam
Whether you use the built-in camera that comes with most laptops or an external webcam, these are some key signs that your camera has been hacked.
- Check the webcam indicator light. When the camera is in use your laptop will have a light on, be it red, green or blue. If you see the light on or blinking and you know you didn’t do anything to make it happen, someone has hacked your webcam. Note that your camera may turn on when launching a certain app like Zoom.
- Check your storage files. If you notice that audio or video storage files that you didn’t create suddenly appear on your computer, this is a major warning sign that someone has hacked your webcam. Make sure you check yours too Webcam settings And know where your video and audio files are being saved on your computer, as a hacker can easily change it.
- Beware of unknown applications. If you see any applications on your computer that you don’t recognize, your computer may be infected with malware, and those applications are using your webcam without your consent. If this happens try running your webcam, and if it says your webcam is already in use, you’ve probably been hacked.
- Scan your computer for malware. We always recommend using strong antivirus software like our #1 pick Total AV To prevent you from clicking on any malicious links that might install malware on your computer. The software will be able to scan and detect any suspicious activity happening on your device and eliminate malware.
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- Watch out for any suspicious activity. If you’re using an external webcam, they’re more advanced, and some can even rotate to better capture a video or picture or adjust the lenses. Notice any movement the camera makes automatically without you commanding it.
- Check your webcam security settings. Check to see if your password or admin name has been changed, if you are no longer able to make changes to settings automatically, or if firewall protection on your camera has been turned off.
- Look at the data flow. Your data flow will tell you how much internet data is being used while you’re online. If you see any spikes, it could mean that data from your camera is being used without your knowledge.
Following these steps will definitely help you catch the hacker very quickly. However, a good way to stop them completely in their tracks is to have a good webcam cover so that they can’t see you entering your camera.
Here are some essential products we found that can prevent hackers from spying on you through your webcam.
CloudValley Webcam Cover 2 Pack (cloud valley)
This camera works for Mac and PC laptops and also works on iPhone cameras. Just align it with your webcam, attach, and press firmly for 15 seconds to start using it. It will not interfere with the function of your webcam or indicator light. At the time of publication, the product had over 43,000 global reviews on Amazon, with 80% giving it five stars.
Toojcc webcam cover (Toojcc)
This cover is also compatible with Apple and PC products, and it comes in a pack of six, so you have enough to use. It has an ultra-thin design, with a thickness of only 0.022 inches, and is made of flexible ABS material that is not fragile. It won’t affect your laptop’s shutdown and scratch the laptop, and it’s very easy to install. At the time of publication, this product had over 8,900 worldwide reviews, with 67% giving it five stars.
Eye webcam cover slider (wrumava)
If you’re looking for a more fun design for your webcam cover, this one does the trick. Each cover has a pair of eyes that will cover the webcam when you close the cover. It is compatible with a variety of laptops and tablets and has an ultra-slim design at just 0.023 inches. It also features high-grade durable plastic and adheres with double-sided 3M tape. At the time of publication, this product had over 2,000 worldwide reviews, with 64% giving it five stars.
How to check that you are not accidentally sharing your location
In addition to webcam covers, it’s important to take steps to protect your privacy and security, such as using strong passwords, keeping your software updated, and using antivirus software.
Pro tip: You can physically cover your camera with a piece of tape when you are not using it to prevent unauthorized access.
Have you used these webcam covers? Let us know how they work for you.
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