5 Signs a Hacker is Watching Through Your PC's Webcam
We often assume that using our PCs is a harmless activity – just ourselves and our thoughts for company. However, the harsh reality is that our PC's webcam can be an open door for hackers to spy on us. It's not always easy to detect when your PC's webcam has been hacked, but if you notice any of these five signs, there's a good chance you've been compromised.
1. You Find Strange Files on Your PC
Most hackers will wipe your PC's drives of any traces they've used them. But, if you look in the webcam's default storage location and your Recycle Bin, you might catch them out before they do that. What you're looking for are videos and photos that you don't remember taking. If you find any unfamiliar files and you're the sole user of the PC, it's likely that your webcam has been hacked. Before you make this call, check if you have any automatic record permissions activated in the settings of video conferencing apps you have installed.
2. The Light on Your Webcam Turns On Intermittently
Most webcams have tiny indicator lights next to them that turn on when they're in use, like during a video conference call. If your PC's webcam lacks an indicator light, you might get a tray icon notification instead. If the light appears when you're not using your webcam, it means the camera is being used and may have been accessed via remote access malware, such as a Trojan. Before jumping to conclusions, check if the light is caused by a browser extension or a video conferencing app running in the background.
To determine if a browser extension is causing the issue, close each extension one by one and watch the light each time. If it disappears, you've found your culprit. This will help you avoid false positives and ensure that you're dealing with an actual hacking situation.
3. Your Security Settings Have Been Modified
Hackers need your PC to be less secure to achieve their goals, so they'll use malware to change your security settings. Check your webcam app's security settings for red flags like altered passwords, suspicious apps you don't recognize, or apps that have access to your PC camera. Also, look for notifications that seem activated but are disabled.
Don't forget to check Windows and antivirus software settings as well, as these are other security points hackers may try to skirt around. If you notice any anomalies, they could be signs of hacking. Keep in mind that hackers can be clever and may use legitimate-looking apps to gain access to your PC.
4. You Get Unsolicited Messages from Hackers
A common scam is when hackers claim they've hacked your webcam to extort money. They'll often try to validate their threats by describing your appearance or other personal information about you. The hacker's goal is to extract ransom money or Bitcoin, and they may send demands in messages with details of how they want their payment made.
Remember that you don't really know how much control a hacker has over your webcam. They may have full or partial control, or they might be lying about the extent of their access. It's also possible that hackers are using images of you from social media websites to trick you into paying a ransom. Never pay out any kind of ransom to hackers no matter what they say in messages.
Instead, consult a cybersecurity expert for help and/or your local authorities if you think the hacker's threats are genuine. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your online security.
5. Your Webcam Keeps Turning On by Itself
The practical test here is to disable your webcam in Windows and then check to see if it turns itself back on again without your intervention sometime later – which can indicate a hacker has control.
To turn off your webcam, go to Windows Settings and navigate to Bluetooth and devices > Camera > Integrated Webcam (if it's integrated into your PC) and click Disable on the right. Keep in mind that this isn't a surefire way to know if your webcam has been hacked, as other factors can cause the camera to turn back on.
Windows updates and certain apps you need your camera for may also switch on your webcam again. Be sure to take these things into consideration when running this test and remember that not all issues with your webcam are caused by hacking.
Stay Safe Online
Protecting yourself from hackers is a top priority in today's digital world. Stay vigilant, keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're unsure about what's going on with your PC or webcam. By being proactive and taking the right steps, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to a hacking attack.