As a result of an unprecedented global lockdown, many people had to rely, and still do, on web cameras to stay connected with colleagues, clients, and work teams. These cameras allow us to participate in virtual meetings, either to work or to see friends and family, but it turns out that cybercriminals use them to spy on us.

Whether you use Zoom, Skype or other videoconferencing tools, the webcam on your home PC, laptop or mobile device has probably never been as active as it is during this pandemic.

Someone watching through a small laptop or personal computer camera may sound farfetched. But it’s unlikely an attacker will capture images of you for personal blackmail, or their own creepy exploits. The majority of illicit webcam access is related to gathering information for financial gain.

A piece of tape

Seeing someone with a piece of tape over their webcam isn’t that unusual. It works for the head of the FBI and the CEO of the world's largest social network, so it will work for you too.

Yes, it’s true, the FBI Director James Comey and Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg made headlines when the public learned both men use tape to cover up the cameras on their computers. So, as long as the camera is clearly blocked and no one can see through the tape, you're good. But while it’s a good defensive, the tape isn’t enough to stay safe. Hence, it should not be the only thing you do, but it should be one of the things you do.

How Webcam Spying Works

How can someone access your webcam in the first place? Typically, they’ve installed malware. The malicious software allows them to remotely control your computer and view its webcam.

A cybercriminal might access your webcam using spy software, a remote access trojan (RAT). The software spreads through freeware, spam emails, infected attachments, or fake website links. When a Trojan virus infects a device, it’s not just the webcam that is remotely accessed, it’s the whole computer. This means access to files, photos, banking and a range of other data.

The software allows the remote user to take control of your computer. They could view your online activity, read messages, or capture screens and keystrokes, and they’ll be able to turn your webcam on to spy on you – without you knowing it.

The webcam light located near the lens will indicate whether camera is currently recording. However, it’s easy to miss and many people don’t understand what the light means.

What to Do About Webcam Spying

Well, there’s that piece of tape, or you might use a Post-It note to cover the camera, but that doesn’t address the bigger issue. Since we’re talking about malware here, the usual rules apply.

• Don’t trust attachments, even from people you know.

• Hover over external links to see where they will take you before clicking.

• Question the credibility of any freeware you might download onto your computer.

• Install a good antivirus system, especially one that checks emails.

• Put a good firewall in place to prevent attackers from accessing your computer.

• Install patches for your operating system, browser, and software to keep security current.

While we’re talking about webcams, keep in mind your smartphone camera and any surveillance cameras need protection too. On your phone, keep your passcode private and make sure antivirus and security patching is up to date. With a surveillance system, always change the default password – you’d be amazed how many people don’t bother to do so – as that’s just making the hackers job easy for them!

Want to be sure you’re not being spied on? Our IT experts can make sure you have a strong firewall in place to monitor network traffic and block suspicious activity. We can also ensure your antivirus and malware security is top notch.

For more tech tips like this, stay tuned and check our social media channels @zakiniusa. You can always give us a ring at 305 400 0992!