We often use video calls for business and personal communication. However, for such communication to become possible, it is necessary to use an Internet connection, which means that camera hacking is quite real and can become a serious problem.

How does the webcam on your smartphone get hacked? Cybercriminals access camera permissions via public Wi-Fi or an email with a malicious link. There are many different ways to get camera permissions, and criminals get inside the device and quickly gain access to the camera to spy on you to blackmail and extort money.

Various techniques are used to protect your webcam from hacking by scammers – from special “dumb” covers to modern cybersecurity software. Let’s look at some simple ways to protect your device:

1. Physically Close the Camera’s Eye

Wear stickers, decals, or smooth covers when you’re not taking anything off or communicating via video. This is the most reliable way to avoid snooping.

2. Update Your Software Regularly

Do not ignore system offers to update software. It will help maintain proper security features and improve the performance of your device.

3. Use Applications to Identify and Eliminate Viruses

To prevent malware from gaining access to your camera, use cybersecurity utilities. This will prevent hackers from hacking your smartphone and preventing them from gaining control of your device.

4. Avoid Unsecured Public Networks

Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi in shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, train stations, airports, and other public places, or use a private network (VPN). When you use the network of any institution, ask them for a password and check the connection’s security. Browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are highly secure. If you need to find name by phone number, search for the option to connect to the network with a password or use your mobile Internet.

5. Don’t Click on Links You’re Not Sure About

Avoid downloading applications from unknown sources, and never click on suspicious links. Do not open suspicious attachments or emails. Before receiving any wireless transmissions, make sure you know and trust the sender. If you are unsure about a particular program, do not download it to your computer.

And one more recommendation – leave firewalls turned on, which monitor activity on your device and identify suspicious programs. One of these will most likely be built into your PC or laptop. The operation of such software significantly increases the security level of your device. If your camera is hacked, the firewall will detect and stop suspicious activity.

How Do You Detect Camera Hacking, and What Should You Do About It?

If you’re using an Apple device, the indicators will light up when the microphone or camera is in use. Hackers cannot disable this security feature because it is built into the OS on your gadget.

As for Android smartphones, not all of them have this feature. But you can download Access Dots from the Google Play store, which will help identify strangers on your device.

If your PC uses Windows, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and check if access is enabled. Simply disable any application you are not using.

If hacking does occur, follow these steps:

  • Physically close the camera or place your smartphone with the camera facing down.
  • Run a scan. The antivirus will detect and delete malicious files.
  • Reset old passwords and come up with new, more secure ones.

If you think someone has gained access to your device, turn it off and take it to a trusted technical support professional. They will check your device and help you eliminate any intrusion by cybercriminals. At the same time, they will update your security settings.