Eye spy: The FBI can activate a computer’s camera
without letting you know it’s recording,

The FBI has been able to use this spyware technology for years and have put
it into use in terrorism cases, or the most serious criminal investigations.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2520707/FBI-spy-webcam-triggering-indicator-light.html

If law enforcement has the technology,
you can bet the crooks likely have it too.

Your Webcam Could Be Spying On You

In the middle of this global lockdown, most of us have been relying on using Zoom, or some other video conference platform (using our webcams) to stay connected. These cameras allow us to attend virtual meetings for work and/or networking events. But crooks also use webcams, to spy on us.

While someone watching through a small laptop or personal computer camera may sound farfetched. There have been several news stories over the past few years of webcams being used for nefarious purposes.

You’ve likely heard the reports of some creep hacking into a baby monitor camera and scaring the mother as she checks up on her baby. Or the story of the creep that was arrested for installing an IP camera in a dressing room.

Seeing someone with a piece of tape over their webcam isn’t that unusual anymore. Even Mark Z, Facebook’s founder does it. At conferences now, you might even receive a branded sliding webcam cover as swag. (if you want one, just let me know – limited quantities are available).

How Webcam Spying Works

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

A cybercriminal might access your webcam using spy software (Spyware) or maybe a remote access trojan (RAT). The software spreads through freeware, spam emails, infected attachments, or fake website links.

The spyware 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 may indicate whether the camera is currently recording. However, there is software that can bypass the camera’s notification light.

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 security system, including one that scans emails.
  • Put a good firewall in place to prevent attackers from accessing your computer.
  • Install patches for your operating system, browsers, and software to you’re your security solution current.

While we’re talking about webcams, keep in mind your smartphone camera and any surveillance cameras need to be protected too. On your phone, keep your passcode private and make sure antimalware 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 that – that’s just making the hackers job easier!

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

Don’t find yourself on camera when you’re not ready for a closeup!

Give us a call today at (636) 542-8653.