Webcam hacking is growing more rampant by the day. No thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and home surveillance systems —all with high-resolution video cameras. Couple this with ever-sophisticated hackers who have learned to sidestep security measures and passwords and you have a very snoopy environment. In many cases, webcam hacking is a real invasion of privacy. Personal videos discretely sent to a single person can now often be seen by thousands or even millions on YouTube.
Beware of RATs
Remote administration software sometimes called screen sharing can pose a real security risk and leave you vulnerable to webcam hacking.
Nefarious remote programmers who break into your computer are often referred to as using a RAT (Remote Access Trojan). They will use malware like Back Orifice, ProRat or Poison-Ivy to hack into your computer or mobile device. Hackers have learned how to attach malicious executable files in legitimate software. These files can then be “ordered” to conceal malware in your computer or mobile device without you being aware there’s anything wrong. Once a RAT is securely installed, a hacker can follow your every keystroke, message, and site you visit. And they can completely control your video camera. And if you think that little light next to your camera will warn you if a hacker is spying on you, you have another thing to worry about—the hacker can turn off that light so you won’t know you’re being watched.
Anyone Can Get a RAT
RATs aren’t just used by serious computer hackers. Anyone with the propensity to snoop can get one of these Trojans online and subsequently learn to use it by watching any of a hundred YouTube videos. What this means is that video cameras everywhere are being co-opted by snoops, peekers, and cyber-criminals. Unless you follow prudent protections, anyone with a RAT or something similar can access your phone, mobile tablet, or laptop. They can check out your text messages, eavesdrop on your calls, and watch you via cameras now found in every one of these devices—and turning off your camera or screen won’t help.
Home Security Not So Secure
Many homes now have surveillance cameras to keep track of who’s in the house, what their nanny or babysitter’s up to, and even if their dog or cat needs help. The problem is, many homeowners simply don’t bother changing their default security password. This means every camera in the house can be used by hackers (once they gain access) to snoop and track everyone in the house.
An Ounces of Prevention
Now that you know how easily hackers can gain access to virtually every camera you own, what can you do to ensure some privacy?
A few “ounces” of prevention:
