Webcam security is a must. It’s as easy as that. The only thing that’s better than talking with someone; that’s far away from you is getting to see them at the same time. Webcams have enabled us to feel a bit closer to anybody we could be speaking to, and they have also allowed companies to talk far more efficiently to workers sent elsewhere on assignment. Reporters have also hugely profited from webcams as they have enabled them to interact and interview personalities from around the world. Despite the numerous benefits that have been caused forth through its use, a webcam is also able to place its user’s privacy in jeopardy. To this end, today, you are going to learn why you should secure your webcam.(also see, Mac Webcam Malware Alert!)
Why You Should Secure Your Webcam
Dangers You Might Encounter With the Use of Your Webcam
Spammers and hackers have come up with numerous methods; that they use to invade an innocent user’s Internet connection and discreetly switch on their webcam. Such a practice has come to be known as camfecting, and the more shocking fact is that it is not only cyber-criminals; who are employed in this practice. Many government organizations have been recognized to use discreet technology to hack their user’s system and watch them through their webcams. One such occurrence that was able to demonstrate; how conceivable it was to hack a particular person’s webcam was that of 2014’s Miss Teen USA, Cassidy Wolf.
Webcam Streaming Websites
This might sound utterly absurd if you have never heard this before. It’s possible for many online websites to be able to access unsecured webcams; to stream their live feed via their website for anybody to watch. They claim that they’re not really hacking, but they befall to be taking account of the vulnerabilities that exist. Such weaknesses include cameras; whose primary settings haven’t been altered by their users to improve security. The website owners; consequently, scan the Internet for unprotected cameras and then stream their live feed.
Staying Safe From Camfecting
The simplest way to assure you stay safe from anybody hoping to watch you is to cover your webcam. You could do it just by placing a tape on top of the webcam; and examine it out by apps that allow for video calling just to assure that nothing is visible. As an option, you could also get online and look for real webcam tops; that suit various types of devices and come in alternating sizes and shapes. If you tend to use your webcam a lot of video calls; then the next best thing would be to assure you close your laptop whenever you are not using it.
Another way to stop yourself from being targeted by the hackers is to switch on the LED warning lights in your webcam. This way, you’ll get to apprehend whenever the camera is working since the lights will also come on. This can be done by changing the factory settings that came with the camera via the software that came with it.(Also check, Internet of Things (IoT) can Kill People Now)
Secure Your Webcam With A VPN
If you’re looking for an all-around solution, then there is nothing that comes close to the level of security that you will get to enjoy a reliable VPN service. Subscribing to a VPN network implies you’ll be capable of concealing your identity online, and this is done via the use of a virtual IP address. Since most webcam malware relies on your IP address to gain access to your computer, by subscribing to a VPN service you’ll be able to exchange your actual address for a virtual one, and therefore prevent any malware from tracking your connection back to you.(also read, Best VPN in March 2018: Know the Best Ranked Services as of March 2018)
Conclusion -Why You Should Secure Your Webcam
Apart from securing your webcam, a VPN service will also enable you to access geo-restricted content, and use banned websites regardless of your location. You’ll also have more reliance when using public Wi-Fi connections, and even when transferring online transactions since you’ll be guaranteed of a secure connection. Hence, in order to secure your webcam, a VPN is a must to use.
