Do I Really Need To Cover My Webcam?

Should I really be covering my webcam?

Has there ever been a time in your life when your privacy was breached?

Perhaps someone overheard a private conversation, read an email that they shouldn’t have, or perhaps even someone got hold of important personal information.

Not a nice feeling is it?

The fact is, any personal data that is obtained about a person, whether it is banking information, audio recordings of conversations or video footage of private moments in the home, can all be used against a person and can potentially damage their reputation.

Recently a woman in the Netherlands was victim to a heinous privacy breach, when she noticed her external webcam move on its own accord and heard a mysterious voice speak to her through the speakers!

This case like many others, adds to the growing concern that internet users around the world have faced over the years – the catastrophic phenomena of webcam hacking.

We are now more vulnerable than ever before of having financial data stolen, social media accounts taken over, and being watched in the privacy of our own homes.

The humble webcam remains a constant presence integrated on almost all of our devices including our phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smart televisions or even nanny cams, seemingly only to be used when we require its service.

However, the extent of your webcam’s safety remains a hot topic of interest in the cyberworld. Wary users are increasingly scrambling to cover any exposed cameras with tape, post-its and webcam covers when it isn’t in use. Let me remind you that the purpose of this article isn’t to ruffle feathers with theories conjured up on the internet grapevine, but to warn you, backed by credible factual evidence, that webcam hacking is real, dangerous, and likely to happen to any one of you.

It’s Not Rocket Science

Hacking your webcam is a relatively easy feat for a professional hacker. The process usually involves Remote Access Trojan or what’s called RAT software, which is attached malicious links, and clicking on them can open a backdoor to allow hackers to control your machines, enabling them complete access to turn on your webcam and microphone without your knowledge.

Want to know how easy it is to hack into your webcam?

Well… it’s easy enough for an autistic teenager hacker to do it! (read the story below).

Given the gargantuan proportions of malware out there, (a new specimen of malware emerges every 4.2 seconds) it is likely that your device is susceptible to such dangers even with best anti-virus software installed.

Who are these hackers?

In the recent years, the media has been increasingly reporting stories of cases involving webcam hacking.  From stealing information from organizations to recording individuals in compromising positions for the purposes of extortion, webcam hacking has thrown many internet users into panic mode.

In 2014, Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf alleged that her webcam had been hacked for over a year, and the hacker later used her private pictures to blackmail her. What makes this case even more sinister is that Cassidy’s webcam was switched on the entire time unbeknownst to her, as the camera’s light had been turned off by the hacker.

The 19-year-old hacker, who went to the same school as Cassidy had later admitted to hacking over 100 other women as well, highlighting the gravity of danger of an uncovered webcam.

 

Another similar incident echoing this threat is the case of Pennsylvania’s Lower Merion School District, which was accused of activating the webcams of the laptops given to students without their knowledge, resulting in over 56,000 private pictures being taken of the students, over a period of 14 months.

Unfortunately, it isn’t just average individuals who are perpetrators of webcam hacking. Government services and intelligence agencies have previously been in the line of fire for spying on individuals without their knowledge. Whistleblowing organization Wikileaks recently released documents which stated that the CIA and British intelligence had worked together to create software which could comprise the cameras on smart TVs and smartphones and activate them even when they are switched off. Similarly, the FBI has also come under the scanner for using malware to hack cameras on computers, citing ‘surveillance’ reasons.

Anyone can be a target.

There is no apparent pattern or categorization as to whose devices are likely to be hacked. Given the abundant cases involving women, children, teenagers and even couples, there is a good chance that you or your family member can easily fall prey to a compromised webcam.

In-fact the former director of the FBI James Comey has gone on record to state that he puts tape on his webcam and has encouraged everyone to follow suit, stating that ‘it was a sensible thing to do.’ Other high-profile individuals such as Mark Zuckerburg and Pope Francis have also been known to keep their webcams covered. It is evident that if people with the power and resources to access the best protection for their devices still take the effort to cover their webcams and microphones, then even top-notch anti-virus may not stop hackers from activating your webcam, and physical security might just be your last option.

What are the alternatives?

Although webcam covers are the most feasible form of protection for your cameras, you can use any alternative, as long as it completely covers the camera. This can include non-transparent tape, post-it notes, a band-aid or stickers. Even though you think you are unlikely to hacked, it won’t cost you much time or money to cover-up, and the idea of being exposed to the world won’t be constantly be trickling down your brain.

Why our webcam cover is the best choice for you?

However, not all the above-mentioned alternatives reliable for long-term use or are aesthetically pleasing. For example, you can’t always walk into a professional meeting with a torn piece of post it on your laptop, as it makes your screen look rather bizarre, or constantly replace tapes on the camera if your work involves constant video conferencing. Our webcam covers are conveniently small and thin and come in 6 different colors, so you can pick one which goes best on your device. Additionally, unlike post-its or stickers where the adhesives wear out in a few months, our covers have a stronger adhesive, which is firm enough to be used repeatedly without falling and won’t leave residue adhesive when removed. Because we believe that security should be an internet user’s top priority, not only are our covers affordable, but we also offer free worldwide shipping.

Better safe than sorry

Privacy breach isn’t just a myth anymore, but a hard-hitting truth that affects many people across the world. Webcam covers guarantee that a dangerous hacker with malicious intentions wouldn’t be able to actually see or record any of your surroundings, even if they manage to disarm your anti-virus and take control of your system. Your privacy remains protected, and there is a lesser threat of your personal pictures being distributed on the cyberspace without your consent.

 

Hackers can get into any device that has a camera and internet connection

It’s important to safeguard your home or office against all risks of hacking. Make sure to think about all of your devices that have a Wi-Fi connection and camera – they all need to be covered. The risks could be higher than you think.

Benefits of the SpyAvoid webcam

 

 

 

 Are you ready to protect your privacy?

The only way to protect your privacy and avoid being vulnerable to online hackers is to use our SpyAvoid webcam covers for your electronic devices.

Remember how the ex-Miss Teen USA felt after she discovered that her old classmate had been spying on her for a year, or how the young Canadian women had pictures taken of her when she was enjoying private time with her boyfriend.

That could be you.

Remember how a young school boy had over 400 photos taken of him while he was sleeping or half undressed.

That could be your child.

For the ultimate protection against online webcam hackers, order your SpyAvoid webcam camera today, and have comfort that you are protecting you and your loved ones from being exposed.

Privacy is a human right, make sure to secure yours.

We get/got this question numerous times… so this article is important.

Here’s the thing, no one knows if your laptop or smart device, is currently being accessed by another person or not.

Its a bit scary we know… but its the sad truth!

Here’s What Happens When You Don’t Cover Your Webcam

This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this:

I didn’t realize this could happen. The light [on the camera] didn’t even go on, so I had no idea- — Miss Teen USA, Victim)

…or something like this:

Pennsylvania school caught secretly snapping photos of students via laptop Webcams- — CNET Security

It was painful, but it was a learning experience. The ultimate security control is to cover the lens- — IT Security Expert