How To Secure Your Webcam

Modern day laptops come with integrated webcams. And they’re amazing, aren’t they? They make videos calling so much easier. There’s no need to attach a separate webcam to talk to your distant friends – there’s one right there on top of your screen!

And while it’s really cool to have a webcam so handy, the problem is that webcams can be hacked to spy on you. While you read this on the internet, someone on the internet might be reading you.

Many webcams come with small lights that light up when the camera is in use. So you can know if someone is monitoring you. But if someone has the right tools to hack into your camera, they can easily turn that light off as well.

This is why it’s very important to secure your camera. Here are some ways to do it.
 
Just cover it up
This is the simplest solution. Just apply some tape over your camera. When you want to use the camera, peel the tape off and then replace it later. But if you’re a little more sophisticated than me, you can go for a camera cover.

These small devices are available on Amazon and will cover up the camera lens. Most of them can slide to the side to let you use the camera when you want.

And if you’re using a separate webcam with your computer, just cover it up with a cloth when it’s not in use.
 
Check for malware
It’s a good idea to have an antivirus on your system so it can protect you from malware. But you might also need a special software to keep you protected against malware.

There are several “specialist” tools that will keep your device secure against malware attacks. Malwarebytes is one of them. It offers smarter protection than a traditional antivirus.
 
Check for permissions
Some websites might need webcam permission to run. The good thing is that most browsers will ask for your permission before granting the privilege to access your camera.

Make sure you don’t click on just about any browser popup. It might be asking for your permission to access the webcam.

Also, you need to be careful when you’re on the internet. Don’t click on suspicious links and don’t download attachments on emails if you’re not sure of the sender. This is how most malware is spread.

It’s scary to imagine someone monitoring your activities over your webcam. But there are several easy ways to deal with it, and the easiest way is by using a tape or a camera cover.