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Did you know in 2022, a man from the UK was sentenced to more than two years in prison for spying on women and children by hacking their webcams as well as breaking into their devices?
Unfortunately, webcam hacking is one of the most common types of cybercrimes, where criminals gain access to their victim’s laptop or phone camera to monitor or record their activities without their consent. Yet, many internet users continue to be unaware of the dangers it poses.
What Dangers Does a Hacked Webcam Pose?
A hacked webcam can lead to severe and distressing consequences, particularly for women, as it exposes them to the risk of cyberstalking.
Cybercriminals who gain unauthorized access to a woman’s webcam can secretly invade her privacy and acquire sensitive information about her daily routines, personal life, and even intimate moments. This stolen content can be used to perpetrate online harassment, blackmail, or even further physical harm. Such experiences can leave women feeling violated, vulnerable, and unsafe in their homes and online spaces.
Similarly, a hacked webcam can be equally concerning for families with kids. Children are particularly vulnerable targets as hackers can exploit their innocence and lack of awareness about online privacy. The criminals can also learn sensitive information about their routines and habits, causing potential danger to their online and physical security.
Since we are living in the age of data breaches and social media tracking, both children and adults need to prioritize webcam security measures and stay vigilant against potential threats.
Read more: Understanding, Identifying, and Preventing Malware Threats
What Are the Signs of a Hacked Webcam?
Wondering how to know if someone is watching you through your laptop camera? Here are the five signs you should look out for:
Unusual Webcam Activity
If your webcam activates on its own, or the LED light turns on when you’re not using it, it could be a sign that someone is remotely accessing your camera without your knowledge. However, it is worth noting that a hacker might remotely disable the LED light, so it doesn’t indicate when the camera is active, allowing them to spy on you. In such instances, your webcam light will likely not turn on even when you’re using the camera for video calls.
Settings Changes
Altered computer or phone settings are a major sign of camfecting. If you ever notice that your webcam’s resolution or focus has changed but don’t recall adjusting the settings, it could indicate that someone has gained unauthorized access to your device. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on the image quality of your webcam, especially if your children also have access to your devices.
Strange Files or Folders
If you come across unfamiliar files or folders on your computer, your online privacy could be in danger. Hackers usually use remote access trojans to compromise your webcam security and invade your digital lifestyle. Therefore, if you find images or video files in a location where you didn’t save them or notice any unfamiliar applications on your computer, please consider running a malware scan to protect your online privacy.
Unfamiliar Network Traffic
An increase in data usage even when you’re not actively using your webcam could be another sign of your digital security being at risk. Hackers can use your webcam to send video streams without your consent, which could result in unusual network traffic or unexpected data transfers. Fortunately, you can monitor your router’s logs or use network monitoring tools to identify any unusual connections to your webcam.
Abnormal System Performance
Does your computer slow down or experience unexplained freezes whenever you use your webcam application? If your answer is yes, a hacker may have gained access to your device.
Abnormal system performance, such as unexpected CPU spikes or excessive network bandwidth usage, especially when your webcam is not actively in use, may indicate that a malicious process is running in the background.
Read more: 15 Web Hacking Techniques Used by Hackers You Should Know About
Tips on How to Protect Your Webcam From Hacking
Let’s look at some tips to enhance your online privacy and protect your webcam from hacking.
Regular Software Updates
Hackers typically exploit system vulnerabilities to illegally access devices. However, you can keep cyber criminals at bay by regularly updating the software. These updates, also known as patches, are released by the webcam manufacturer to fix any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. By regularly updating the firmware and software, you can keep yourself and your family safe from cyberstalking and harassment.
Cover the Lens
When your webcam is not in use, you should consider covering the lens with a physical cover – be it a piece of tape or plastic. Even Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg covers his laptop camera!
Doing so will not only add an extra layer of protection but also provide you with complete peace of mind. You can also invest in a proper webcam cover, which is a small device that slides over the camera lens to block any potential prying eyes. This way, even if someone manages to gain access to your webcam, they won’t be able to see anything.
Password Protect Your Computer
Setting a strong password for your computer’s user account is one of the most underrated ways to prevent unapproved access. Instead of using a simple code, create a strong and unique password for your account to make it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain entry. Experts also recommend changing your password frequently to ensure utmost protection.
Secure Webcam Applications
If you use specific software or apps to control your webcam, ensure that they are password-protected. Most of the popular applications have security settings that allow you to set up a password. For example, video conferencing apps like Zoom and Skype require users to enter their credentials to join meetings, ensuring that only authorized participants can access the platform. You can also use PureVPN’s Password Manager to keep your passwords secure.
Enable Firewall and Antivirus Protection
Activating your computer’s firewall and keeping your antivirus software up-to-date can prevent hackers from gaining access to your webcam. The firewall serves as a barrier between your computer and the network, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. Thus, it can also help block unauthorized attempts to access your webcam remotely.
On the other hand, antivirus software scans the system for malware and can remove any software that might compromise your webcam’s security.
How Can PureVPN Help Protect Your Digital Security?
A premium virtual private network service such as PureVPN can indirectly contribute to webcam security and enhance your overall online privacy. Here’s how it can help.
- Data encryption: PureVPN encrypts all data transmitted between your device and the server, making it challenging for hackers to intercept or decipher any information.
- Secure internet connection: By connecting to a VPN server, you create a secure and private tunnel for your online traffic. This shields your device from potential attacks and reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your webcam.
- Shield IP address: With PureVPN masking your IP address, it would be difficult for hackers to locate and target your device specifically for webcam hacking.
- Bypass public WiFi risks: When using public WiFi, your data is vulnerable to hacking. A VPN secures your traffic, preventing cybercriminals on the same network from accessing your webcam.
- Prevents location-based tracking: PureVPN can help bypass location-based tracking, which will reduce the chance of targeted hacking attempts.
Please note that while a VPN is an essential tool for digital security, it should be used in conjunction with other security practices to safeguard you from a hacked webcam. You can also check out our comprehensive guide on webcam security for more information.
To conclude, webcam hacking is a serious concern in today’s age, with women and children being the most common target of this insidious crime. By raising awareness about the risks of a hacked webcam and implementing strict security measures, we can create a safer online environment for everyone.
Stay connected to PureVPN Blog to learn more about the latest cybersecurity tips and tricks.
Read more: Stop Websites From Spying on You With the New Tracker Blocker Feature
