How to Secure Your Webcam? Here’s All You Can Do for Webcam Security

What Is Webcam Hacking?

Webcam hacking refers to someone accessing and activating a webcam without your permission and using it to capture videos without your consent or knowledge. Any webcam has the potential to be controlled by a hacker and your data and system might be destroyed. Luckily, this guide will walk you through how to secure your webcam from hackers. Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

How to Know and What to Do If You Have Been Hacked

It can be a nightmare that your personal data getting hacked. Unfortunately, it’s a common issue. Here, you can know what to do if you have been hacked.

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Way 1: Alter Camera Access

At times, some apps that have the permissions to access the webcam might change your camera’s settings without your knowledge, resulting in the indicator toggling on when you don’t intend to record. In this case, you can go to Windows Settings to disable camera access for your device or certain apps.

Warning: It’s noted that some programs might fail to work properly after canceling the permission.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. In the settings window, click on Privacy.

Step 3. In the Camera section, tap on Change under Camera access for this device is on.

Step 4. Toggle off Camera access for this device. Also, you can also turn off this feature for certain apps.

Way 2: Toggle off Remote Desktop

Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the remote desktop protocol (RDP) to gain administrative control over your computer and steal your data. To eliminate a primary entry point for any unauthorized accesses, it’s a good option to disable Remote Desktop. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Windows Settings and head over to System.

Step 2. In the Remote Desktop section, turn off this feature.

Way 3: Check Site Settings from Your Browser

Next, you can go to your browser to see if any unknown sites are allowed to use your webcam. Here, we will take Google Chrome as an example:

Step 1. Launch your browser.

Step 2. Click on the three-dot icon in the top right to select Settings.

Step 3. Move to the Privacy and security section and select Site settings.

Step 4. Under Permissions, click on Camera.

Step 5. Check if there are any unwanted websites using your camera. If yes, remove the camera access for them.

Tips to Block Webcam Hacking Attempts

Cover up Your Camera

To secure your webcam, the easiest way is to physically cover it up with some electrical tape or a plastic webcam cover. By doing so, even if the hacker takes over your webcam, he can see nothing via the overshadowed camera.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is designed to hide your identity, IP address, and online activities so as to protect your privacy. This type of can encrypt your traffic when you are using public Wi-Fi.

Be Wary of Unknown Links

When you are going to download a file or program, please make sure to get it from the official website. Don’t click on the links or attachment files from any unknown person because it might contain some viruses or malware.

Scan Your Computer with Antivirus Software Periodically

Today, we use internet-connected devices like phones, iPads, and computers in all aspects of our lives, so they store a wealth of our personal information. Therefore, we should develop a habit of scanning our digital devices with antivirus software regularly such as Malwarebytes, McAfee, Bitdefender and more to thwart any potential viruses, malware, or spyware.

Back up Valuable Data Regularly

Some case studies indicate that hackers can create a webcam backdoor for data theft or surveillance. To secure your webcam data and other files, you can create backups of your important pictures, videos, and documents in case they get lost by accident.

When it comes to backup, we’ll have to mention a piece of PC backup software called MiniTool ShadowMaker. This program streamlines the backup process and you can back up various items including files, folders, systems, partitions, and disks with just a few clicks of the mouse. Also, it enables you to set password protection to encrypt your backups. Don’t hesitate to give this free trial a try.

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Final Words

How to protect your webcam from hackers? Now, you must be clear. Most importantly, practicing good cybersecurity habits is the key to preventing webcam spying, which will help to avoid the issue to begin with.