You use your computer on a daily basis, although I bet you rarely, if ever, consider that someone could be spying on you through your laptop’s built-in camera or a standalone camera that plugs in via USB. The worst part is that you wouldn’t even know.
Your webcam can seriously threaten your privacy and you always want to be sure that no one is spying on you.
Even Mark Zuckerberg is known for covering up his laptop camera. If the CEO of big tech social media Facebook knows the risks, you should too.
What’s at stake if someone hacks my laptop camera
If someone hacks into your webcam, it can not only compromise your security. It’s an invasion of privacy and someone could be watching you without your knowledge or consent.
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This could include seeing you in your personal space or even recording sensitive information such as passwords, bank account details or private conversations.
If someone hacks into your webcam, it can not only compromise your security. It’s an invasion of privacy and someone could be watching you without your knowledge or consent. (Kurt Knutson)
If someone were to record compromising footage of you, they could use it to blackmail or extort you for money or other demands, which is often the intent of a criminal hacker.
If hackers gain access to your webcam, they will likely swipe additional personal information on your computer, which can be used for identity theft.
In addition, hacking your webcam can be a way for hackers to install malware or viruses on your computer, which can cause further damage to your system or steal additional data. On an emotional level, it can make you feel shocked and abused.
How do you know if someone has hacked your webcam?
Whether you’re using the built-in camera that comes with most laptops or an external webcam, these are some major signs that your camera has been hacked.
- Check the webcam indicator light. Your laptop has a light that turns on when the camera is in use, whether it’s red, green, or blue. If you see the light on or flashing and you know you didn’t do anything to make that happen, someone has hacked into your webcam. Keep in mind that your camera may turn on when launching a specific app like Zoom.
- Check your save files. If you suddenly see audio or video save files appearing on your computer that you didn’t create yourself, that’s an important warning sign that someone has hacked into your webcam. Make sure you also have your webcam settings and know where your video and audio files are stored on your computer, because a hacker can easily change that.
- Beware of unknown applications. If you see applications on your computer that you do not recognize, your computer may be infected with malware and these applications may be using your webcam without your permission. Try using your webcam if this happens and if it says your webcam is already in use then you’ve probably been hacked.
- Scan your computer for malware. We always recommend using strong antivirus software, such as our #1 pick Total AV to avoid clicking malicious links that can install malware on your computer. The software can also scan and detect suspicious activity on your device and remove the malware.
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- Watch out for suspicious movements. Using an external webcam makes them much more advanced and some can even move to better capture a video or photo or adjust lenses. Watch out for any movements that the camera makes on its own without your command.
- Check your webcam’s security settings. Check whether your password or admin name has changed, whether you can no longer change settings yourself or whether the firewall on your camera has been disabled.
- Look at the data stream. Your data stream tells you how much internet data is used when you are online. If you notice spikes, it could mean that data from your camera is being used without your knowledge.
By following these steps, you will surely catch a hacker faster. However, a good way to stop them completely is to have a good webcam cover so they can’t see you if they break into your camera.
Here are some essential products we found that can prevent hackers from spying on you through your web camera.
The CloudValley Webcam Cover 2-pack (Valley of Clouds)
This camera works for Mac and PC laptops and even works on iPhone cameras. Just align it with your webcam, attach it and press firmly for 15 seconds to use it. It will not interfere with your webcam or indicator light. At the time of publication, this product had over 43,000 global reviews on Amazon, with 80% giving it five stars.
The Toojcc webcam cover (Toojcc)
This case is also compatible with Apple and PC products and comes in a pack of six, so you’ll have plenty 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 closing and scratch the laptop, and it’s super easy to install. At the time of publication, this product had over 8,900 reviews worldwide, of which 67% gave it five stars.
Eye webcam cover sliders (wrumava)
If you’re looking for a nicer design for your webcam cover, this one is the way to go. Each cover has a pair of eyes that cover the webcam when you slide the cover closed. It is compatible with various laptops and tablets and has an ultra-thin design of only 0.023 inches. It also has high quality durable plastic and sticks with double sided 3M tape. At the time of publication, this product had more than 2,000 reviews worldwide, of which 64% gave it five stars.
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In addition to webcam covers, it is important to take steps to protect your privacy and security, such as using strong passwords, keeping your software up to date, and using antivirus software.
Pro Tip: You can also physically cover your camera with a piece of tape when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
Have you used these webcam covers? Let us know how they work for you.
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