How do I know if my webcam has been hacked?

Indeed, we can legitimately think that your computer's webcam, an essential tool for videoconferencing and video calls, can also be a gateway for people with bad intentions. And to be honest, the fear of being spied on through this camera is well founded, as there are cybercriminals who exploit security vulnerabilities to gain access to these devices. Numerous articles have already reported hacking of baby monitors, allowing malicious individuals to speak with the child or to see the child or their room, if the device includes a camera mode.

But how do you know if someone is watching you without you knowing? Here are the steps to follow to check this possibility and effectively protect yourself against any intrusion.

Check these 5 key points

To begin, it is crucial to inspect certain indicators to determine if your webcam could be compromised.

The first and most visible element (no pun intended) is the webcam indicator light. On most devices, this light turns on when the webcam is activated. If you notice that it turns on unpredictably or for no apparent reason, this is an indicator of possible unauthorized activation of your camera.

Another aspect to watch out for: network traffic. A hacked webcam often sends streams of video data, leading to increased internet traffic. To check this, you can monitor fluctuations in your data consumption via Task Manager or dedicated tools, like Wireshark. If you notice unusual bandwidth usage, it could be a sign that an app is sending data without your knowledge.

It is also essential toexamine if suspicious applications have been installed on your computer. Some malware, once introduced, takes control of your webcam. Go through the list of installed apps and look for any you don't recognize. Do not hesitate to uninstall questionable or unknown software that could be responsible for vulnerabilities.

Browser extensions can also be a gateway to malware, capable of taking control of your webcam. And some of them, often installed without you realizing it by an inadvertent click, can request access to your webcam. Be sure to review the permissions granted to each extension and remove any that seem unnecessary or risky.

Finally, review your security settings. Go to the privacy settings of your operating system and browser to check which apps or sites have access to your camera. This will allow you to control this access and restrict the use of your webcam to trusted software only.

Run an antivirus scan and strengthen your protection

Even if you have not identified any direct signs that your webcam is being used without your knowledge, It is always recommended to perform an antivirus scan. If you do not yet have an antivirus installed, It's high time to choose one. Additionally, if you use a free solution like Microsoft Defender, although relatively effective, may not offer all advanced protection features necessary to counter sophisticated cyberattacks.

Opting for a more comprehensive security suite may be wise. Some of these suites offer a dedicated feature called SafeCam. This feature aims to alert you when unauthorized programs attempt to access your camera, thereby further protecting your privacy.

In addition, make sure your firewall is enabled. You have one installed natively with Microsoft Defender if you use a Windows computer and you also have one with your antivirus or security suite. The firewall functions as a barrier between your computer and external networks, preventing unauthorized communications that could include access to your webcam. Configure it correctly to ensure that only trusted applications can connect to the Internet and access your camera.

In terms of security suites integrating a SafeCam module, 3 solutions stand out.

Avast One

First of all, there is Avast One, which is already complete with antivirus, VPN, firewall, PC accelerator and tools to boost your online privacy. And this security suite integrates the famous SafeCamwhich automatically blocks any apps that try to use your webcam without permission. The interface is clear and simple and the essential privacy and protection settings are configured by default, optimally, in order to put as little effort on the user as possible.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton 360 Deluxe is also a comprehensive security suitewhich also includes the webcam monitoring system, but also a password manager, parental controls and a Dark Web Monitoring function which monitors the Dark Web and alerts you if your personal information is circulating there.

AVG Ultimate

AVG Ultimate also has many advantages, including the famous tool for protecting your webcam. It also has a powerful antivirus, a VPN, an optimization and cleaning system. Its little extra thing is its AVG Anti-Track function which prevents your online activities from being tracked for advertising targeting.

Is putting adhesive tape enough?

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself is to use tape or a physical cover over the webcam when you are not using it. This mechanical solution literally blocks the view through the camera, preventing any spying, even if a hacker has managed to take control of your device.

However, while this method is widely used and recommended by cybersecurity experts, including figures like Mark Zuckerberg, it is not a perfect solution. If someone manages to hack your webcam, it probably means your system is already compromised by malware. The tape prevents video, but it does not solve the underlying problem of intrusion. In other words, even if your camera is physically blocked, a hacker could still access other sensitive information on your device, like your personal files or passwords.

It is therefore recommended to consider tape as an added touch of security, but not as a one-stop solution. Good digital hygiene, such as keeping software up to date and paying particular attention to connection security, remains essential.

What if I receive an email indicating that my webcam has been hacked?

Sometimes you will receive a blackmail email claiming that your webcam has been hacked. In these messages, the sender may claim to have filmed private moments through your camera and threaten to share these videos with your contacts if you do not pay an amount in bitcoins. This type of fraud is unfortunately common.

The first thing to do in this situation is not to panic. Very often these messages are scams and there is no proof that your webcam has actually been hacked. Cybercriminals send these emails en masse, hoping that some frightened people will pay without verifying the veracity of the accusations.

Afterwards, you must change your passwords immediately. Even if the attack is fake, it could indicate that some of your personal information has been compromised in another way. Choose strong, unique passwords for your accounts, especially email and social media, and save them in a password manager for added security.

It is also crucial to run a full antivirus scan to ensure there is no malware installed on your system. If you find any, delete them immediately. Do not hesitate to strengthen the security of your computer with tools dedicated to protection against this type of attack.

Finally, you can report the email to your email provider as a phishing attempt. It is also possible to file a complaint with local cybersecurity authorities if you believe you are the victim of a real hack.