Are You Being Observed Through Your Webcam?
Are You Being Observed Through Your Webcam?
A few clicks of the mouse, and your webcam is activated and ready to be used. But have you considered the possibility that someone else could be watching you through your own webcam? The thought of this most likely sends chills down your spine, and it should, as this is very real- and utterly creepy.
Hackers utilize a type of software called remote access implement (RAT) that permits them to remotely access a computer as if they were physically there. Tho’ RATs were designed for legal purposes, like permitting a technician to remotely access a user’s computer to troubleshoot problems without having to physically be there, hackers exploit this software for their own benefit.
Typically, a hacker lures an unaware user into clicking on a link, opening a picture or email attachment, visiting a specific website, or downloading some software. After the user falls for one of these, the RAT software is secretly installed onto the user’s computer. The hacker now has remote access to the user’s computer.
Preventing Your Webcam from Being Hacked
Many articles recommend covering the lens of the webcam with a lump of paper to prevent hackers from spying on you. But doing that alone is brushing the real problem under a rug. Having your webcam hacked means your PC has been compromised by some malware, and you need to take instantaneous act to get rid of it.
Fortunately, here are some effortless things you can do that can prevent your computer from being compromised in the very first place.
Hackers lure victims into installing RAT software onto their PC by disguising links, pictures, or email attachments as something desirable, such as free music, movies, or desktop wallpapers. Be wary of suspicious websites that suggest similar items. Also be cautious about clicking on shortened links you may find on social media sites.
Equip your computer with an antivirus program and two-way firewall
Having an antivirus and two-way firewall is minimum security any PC should be tooled with. An up-to-date and active antivirus helps to detect and liquidate malware from infecting your computer. A two-way firewall monitors inbound and outbound traffic to-and-from your computer.
Be cautious of tech support suggesting remote assistance
Hackers may physically contact you by claiming there are problems with your computer. They’ll attempt to persuade you to install a program that permits them remote access to your computer, so that they can “fix” the problem. Simply disregard calls from those who claim they are tech support.
Secure your wireless connection
A hacker can lightly hack into unsecure Wi-Fi networks with a laptop, antenna, and widely available software. Don’t make it effortless for them. Secure your wireless connection with a strong and sophisticated password.
Disable Windows Remote Access
Tho’ most RATs deployed by malware are custom-built devices, disabling Windows Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop is one thing you can do to prevent hackers from remotely accessing your computer.
To disable Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop for Windows 7, go after these steps:
1. Click on Embark and find Computer
Two. Right-click on Computer and select Properties
Three. Click on Remote settings on the left-hand side
4a. Under the Remote tab, uncheck “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.”
4b. Under Remote tab, click on “Don’t permit connections to this computer”
Get ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus+
ninety six comments on “ Are You Being Observed Through Your Webcam? ”
I mean, I instantly disabled Windows Remote Access.
All the rest is already part of my system and procedures.
I had enabled mine some time back and left behind to switch roles it. Thanks for the reminder.
With windows 8.1 upgraded on two separate laptops the remote desktop option is no longer here. Uncertain of what options to switch in the fresh standalone app.
Hi Steve. Accessing remote desktop should be the same as in Windows 8. Click commence, find Computer, right-click on it, then you should see in the drop-down menu Properties. From the properties page, you should find Remote Settings.
I am a very suspicious person and I almost got snagged by these hackers via the telephone. Someone called one evening and asked me to turn on my computer because it was infected by a nasty virus. When I refused, they said they were tech support and since I had purchased a year of that from HP/Windows and it was coming up for renewal shortly, I thought it was them attempting to talk me into another year and using the virus thing as a means to get me to sign up for another year, I resisted because they were so persistent and said no and strung up up on them. So, be very careful when you get a tech call to not turn on your computer. By the way, I shut down and turn off the power on my power de-robe that the computer is fastened to when not in use and so should everyone!
Yea those calls are from scammers who are mostly in India.
Are You Being Observed Through Your Webcam?
Are You Being Observed Through Your Webcam?
A few clicks of the mouse, and your webcam is activated and ready to be used. But have you considered the possibility that someone else could be watching you through your own webcam? The thought of this most likely sends chills down your spine, and it should, as this is very real- and enormously creepy.
Hackers utilize a type of software called remote access implement (RAT) that permits them to remotely access a computer as if they were physically there. Tho’ RATs were designed for legal purposes, like permitting a technician to remotely access a user’s computer to troubleshoot problems without having to physically be there, hackers exploit this software for their own benefit.
Typically, a hacker lures an unsuspicious user into clicking on a link, opening a picture or email attachment, visiting a specific website, or downloading some software. After the user falls for one of these, the RAT software is secretly installed onto the user’s computer. The hacker now has remote access to the user’s computer.
Preventing Your Webcam from Being Hacked
Many articles recommend covering the lens of the webcam with a lump of paper to prevent hackers from spying on you. But doing that alone is brushing the real problem under a rug. Having your webcam hacked means your PC has been compromised by some malware, and you need to take instantaneous activity to get rid of it.
Fortunately, here are some effortless things you can do that can prevent your computer from being compromised in the very first place.
Hackers lure victims into installing RAT software onto their PC by disguising links, pictures, or email attachments as something desirable, such as free music, movies, or desktop wallpapers. Be wary of suspicious websites that suggest similar items. Also be cautious about clicking on shortened links you may find on social media sites.
Equip your computer with an antivirus program and two-way firewall
Having an antivirus and two-way firewall is minimum security any PC should be tooled with. An up-to-date and active antivirus helps to detect and eliminate malware from infecting your computer. A two-way firewall monitors inbound and outbound traffic to-and-from your computer.
Be cautious of tech support suggesting remote assistance
Hackers may physically contact you by claiming there are problems with your computer. They’ll attempt to persuade you to install a program that permits them remote access to your computer, so that they can “fix” the problem. Simply overlook calls from those who claim they are tech support.
Secure your wireless connection
A hacker can lightly hack into unsecure Wi-Fi networks with a laptop, antenna, and widely available software. Don’t make it effortless for them. Secure your wireless connection with a strong and complicated password.
Disable Windows Remote Access
Tho’ most RATs deployed by malware are custom-built implements, disabling Windows Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop is one thing you can do to prevent hackers from remotely accessing your computer.
To disable Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop for Windows 7, go after these steps:
1. Click on Begin and find Computer
Two. Right-click on Computer and select Properties
Three. Click on Remote settings on the left-hand side
4a. Under the Remote tab, uncheck “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.”
4b. Under Remote tab, click on “Don’t permit connections to this computer”
Get ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus+
ninety six comments on “ Are You Being Observed Through Your Webcam? ”
I mean, I instantly disabled Windows Remote Access.
All the rest is already part of my system and procedures.
I had enabled mine some time back and left behind to switch roles it. Thanks for the reminder.
With windows 8.1 upgraded on two separate laptops the remote desktop option is no longer here. Hesitant of what options to switch in the fresh standalone app.
Hi Steve. Accessing remote desktop should be the same as in Windows 8. Click commence, find Computer, right-click on it, then you should see in the drop-down menu Properties. From the properties page, you should find Remote Settings.
I am a very suspicious person and I almost got snagged by these hackers via the telephone. Someone called one evening and asked me to turn on my computer because it was infected by a nasty virus. When I refused, they said they were tech support and since I had purchased a year of that from HP/Windows and it was coming up for renewal shortly, I thought it was them attempting to talk me into another year and using the virus thing as a means to get me to sign up for another year, I resisted because they were so persistent and said no and strung up up on them. So, be very careful when you get a tech call to not turn on your computer. By the way, I shut down and turn off the power on my power disrobe that the computer is linked to when not in use and so should everyone!
Yea those calls are from scammers who are mostly in India.