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Are webcams easy to hack?

We’ve all heard horror stories of people being watched through their own cameras without their consent. These stories inspired hosts of people to begin taping up the built-in cameras in their laptops and computers. Whole industries have cropped up around the idea that your webcam isn’t safe to leave uncovered. Many computers today even include built-in camera-covering slides. But is all of this caution necessary? Just how easy is it for your webcam to be hacked into?

How do hackers gain access?

Thankfully, it isn’t as easy to hack into someone’s webcam as the movies make it seem. However, there are still several possible avenues a digital invader can exploit.

Spy software

Despite the invasive-sounding name, these types of software are most commonly used by your employer or school and you need to agree to their use. They are used to track workers to ensure they’re working as they should, and they make sure students aren’t cheating on their tests.

Spy software isn't just for accessing the camera. If the computer you’re using isn’t yours but the installer’s, this kind of software can be used to remotely upgrade and configure the computer or track it if it gets stolen.

Remote access

Many webcams are able to be remotely accessed by you over the internet. However, if you can remotely access your webcam, it’s possible that someone malicious can as well. Avoid using third-party software to enable this kind of access if it isn’t natively included in your computer.

Trojans

Trojans are the easiest way for a hacker to gain access not only to your webcam but to your entire computer. Your files, saved passwords, pictures and everything else are accessible.

They’re the easiest method because success is as simple as tricking you into clicking the right thing. Email phishing scams are the most common, but you can also accidentally download a trojan by visiting the wrong websites, clicking the wrong links and responding to messages from people you don’t know.

How can I protect myself?

As many avenues as the dishonest have for accessing your webcam, you have just as many to protect yourself.

Passwords

This might seem like basic protection, and it is, but it’s often the basics that get overlooked the most. Always password-protect everything that involves private information. You should also password-protect basic access to your computer.

Updates

Always update every piece of software you have when an update is called for. These updates nearly always contain security upgrades that cover discovered flaws hackers could otherwise exploit to gain access to systems that haven’t yet been upgraded.

Covers

Covering your webcam isn’t going to stop your webcam from being hacked, but it does render any successful hacking attempt moot. Many laptops and computers have built-in webcam covers, and you can also buy one or cover your camera with some tape or a piece of a sticky note.

FAQ

Q. How do I know if my webcam has been hacked?

A. There are a few ways your webcam may be able to tell you if it's being used, such as a glowing red light. However, to be frank, hackers can easily disable most of these types of systems. It’s much easier to be smart and cover your webcam than it is to tell if your camera has been hacked.

Q. What do I do if I do get hacked?

A. Immediately disconnect from the internet. If you can’t get out, they can’t get in. Change all your passwords, use antivirus software to scan your computer, closely monitor all your accounts over the next six months and take it to a professional if the hack seems especially severe.

What’s the best webcam to buy?

Logitech Brio Ultra 4K HD Webcam

This top-of-the-line webcam is a must-buy for anyone whose job revolves around Zoom meetings and those who regularly stream themselves gaming. Its autofocus feature keeps you looking sharp, and the built-in microphone means there’s no need for extra equipment.

Sold by Amazon, Dell and Staples

Logitech C920X HD Pro Webcam

This is an excellent budget webcam that still captures high-quality 1080p video at a smooth 30 frames per second. It also has built-in dual microphones to pick up clean, natural-sounding audio at a range of 3 feet.

Sold by Amazon

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam

If you just need something that gets the job done, look no further than this one. It captures solid 720p HD video at 30 frames per second with an autofocus lens, and it has a noise-canceling microphone to keep your audio pure and focused.

Sold by Amazon

What’s the best webcam cover to buy?

Targus Spy Guard Sliding Webcam Cover

This webcam slide can be bought individually, but it’s best bought in bulk for offices. It even comes in black, gray and white to blend in with most computers and laptops.

Sold by Amazon

Sarastars Laptop Camera Cover Slide

This is among the smallest camera slide covers you can find at only three-quarters of an inch by four-tenths of an inch. It’s so small and slim that you can even use it to cover your phone’s front-facing camera.

Sold by Amazon

Hkdgyhon Webcam Camera Cover Slide

This is another excellent ultrasmall and ultrathin webcam cover for those that need one a little larger than the Sarastars cover. They also come in multiple colors so you can personalize your tech.

Sold by Amazon


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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

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