If Mark Zuckerberg has tape over his computer, it probably makes sense to follow his lead. The Facebook founder not only tapes over the camera on his laptop but the microphone as well.
A study conducted on laptop users found that most people don’t realize how easily a webcam can be hacked and cyber-peepers can invade their privacy. If you notice any or a combination of these signs, it’s possible that your laptop camera is being controlled and monitored remotely.
The Indicator Light Switches On Randomly
Most webcams have an indicator light next to them which turns on when the camera is in use. If your webcam indicator light is on or it’s acting abnormally even though you haven’t turned the webcam on, it’s a sign that something might not be right.
First, go ahead and check your active apps by running your Task Manager tool. If an app should have access to your webcam. If no apps should be using your webcam, then reboot your computer.
Check Browser Extensions
If the webcam light turns on the moment you open the browser, the problem is likely to be in a browser extension. Browser extensions are another potential cause of your webcam turning on without your knowledge. Check to see if it seems your webcam indicator light turns on every time you open your internet browser. That’s a clue that you have an extension or add-on on your browser using your cam. Deactivate your extensions one at a time to identify the culprit.
Scan For Suspicious Apps
Another way to detect and get rid of malware is to run a regular malware scan. There are plenty of tools available for this, and a good malware scanner should catch most instances of malware that can be used to spy on you.
Your Webcam Security Settings Have Been Changed
Malware may also change security settings to make it easier to control the webcam and send or receive video files. Open your webcam app and check on its security and accessibility settings to see if anything looks out of place or suspiciously disabled.
Check Your File System
If a hacker has been secretly snooping on you, you might be able to find audio and/or video recordings you don’t remember. Go to the folder where your webcam stores such files. Also double check your webcam’s settings and whether that folder hasn’t been changed without your knowledge. However, don’t trust only this method as some hackers might simply Livestream everything they can see through your webcam to their device.
