Your Web Cam – Someone’s Eyeballs On You?
Did you know that software exists that can turn on your web cam without your knowledge or consent…and it can do so without the web cam light illuminated? In other words your web cam may be turned on and you would not know it.
The same is true of the built-in microphone (generally laptops).
Here’s a low-tech solution for web cam hacks, courtesy of PC World and the NSA.
Tape over the webcam
Integrated webcams are great for video chats, but they’re also excellent tools for hackers to spy on users. And you would never know that you were being watched: Although the webcam indicator light is supposed to switch on when the camera activates, hackers have found ways to disable the light in certain laptop models.
According to the NSA, a simple, low-tech solution is to tape over your webcam—with black tape, naturally. If you’re worried that the sticky residue might damage the webcam, use tape to secure a small piece of paper over the lens.
Thanks again TC. I did that last time you wrote about it . I also saw a program about it where a young Miss something disclosed she had been watched in her bedrom on her laptop for months till the guy got caught when he started e-mailing her about it. She disclosed it to warn others .
Well, I’m sure they will tire of looking at me, if not enjoy!
I had set up Skype a few years ago but started getting weird messages so I and just disconnected it. This is scary stuff.
skype does have its problems
So far I have not added a Webcam and I guess at this time I don’t really want one !!
Happy holidays to you both.
What does one do about the microphone?
Turn it off in sound settings.