The most appearing cameras
become the less we�re aware they are even there. They glare out at us
inanely from our laptops, phones, Tablets, just waiting to be switched
on. But what would you feel if they were turn on by someone else without
your prior knowledge? It would be the greatest violations of
privacy.Below are some ways to prevent from webcam takeovers.
How hackers gain access
to the webcams
A recent study mentioned
many different websites containing live feeds from webcams. There are
different types of webcam hacks that have happened over the past few
years. General process is to identify a security vulnerability in the
webcam software or the hardware itself. Most attackers would use a
Trojan or RATS to access your device. Once your device is infected with
malicious program the attacker can take control of the webcam at any
time.
Another technique is Clickjacking, where it compromised a website to
make a Flash permission button hidden. The website then places this
hidden button over a likely-to-be-clicked area such as the Download
button on a file. Abruptly, the victim thinks all they�re doing is
downloading a file, but has recklessly given authority to the Flash app
to use the webcam.
Preventing Your Webcam
from Being Hacked

So below are some ways to
prevent from webcam takeovers.
Don�t click suspicious
links and attachments
Be careful when opening
attachments in email when you don�t know the sender. Beware when
downloading files like free music, movies and torrents from the
internet. And be cautious when clicking links you found in social media.
Use a good antivirus
software and equip your computer with two-way firewall
Install a security software
that provides protection against malware and spyware. Most antivirus
software can detect suspicious activities and processes running in your
computer. And also using a Firewall is an efficient way to ensure
traffic going in and out of the device is legitimate.
Use webcam protection
software
This is an efficient method
to stay safe without doing extra work. Because these software notify you
whenever the webcam is used or running in background without your
permission. But you must use a trusted and verified software for this.
Update firmware
Webcams, like any other
electronics devices are controlled by firmware. Attackers mostly use
vulnerabilities in firmware to exploit webcams. So it�s a good
precaution to update firmware regularly.
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