Find out how you can check if a cybercriminal is controlling your webcam.
One of the most important and useful accessories that can be connected to the desktop computer is the web camera, also known as web cam. Although It is an element that is usually integrated into laptops and that you can easily use in Windows 10 and other Windows 11. And this is because it has many uses, whether to participate in video conferences and work meetings, video calls with family, friends or partner, and even to start making direct on platforms like Twitch.
However, like other PC components, you should know that Cybercriminals can compromise your web cam and access it, gaining absolute control, so they could take photographs and record without your consent.
For this reason, we have prepared this post, in which we will explain how can you tell if someone has accessed your camera, what to do if this is the case and how you can protect yourself to prevent this from happening. This way, you can prevent your privacy from being compromised and violated.
How to know if someone has accessed your PC camera
As we have mentioned, cybercriminals, using different tricks such as phishing, trojans, system vulnerabilities, session hijacks, adware and spyware, are capable of accessing the webcam. Obviously, their main objective is that the user does not discover that this accessory is being manipulated, so they try to be discreet.
However, there are some clues that can give you an indication that, indeed, your web cam has been compromised and someone is not only controlling it, but is watching everything you do and what happens around you.
The LED light on the web cam has turned on
Webcams typically have an LED light that turns on whenever the user starts it to start recording or taking photos. This means that if a cybercriminal has accessed this accessory, you might be able to see this little light, even if you haven't opened the camera.
However, we must also make it clear that this may not always be the case, since cybercriminals want you not to discover that they have accessed your camera, so they can use their knowledge to start this process and take control, but without the LED light turning on. Therefore, although this can be a good clue, it does not always work.
An error message appears when you try to access the camera
Another fairly clear clue has to do with an error message that prevents you from accessing and using your PC's webcam, since is already being used by some other program. This is quite strange and is a clear sign that someone is controlling her.
If you are trying to access your webcam, but it gives you an error that it is being used and that you must close that processand you have not opened another program that could be using it, then it may be that software, often malicious, has access to it.
Web cam is transferring data when it should be off
Another of the most common symptoms that your web cam has been compromised is that this process is sending data when, in reality, should be off. The best way to check this is by viewing the active connections of the operating system, as this way you will see which programs are connected to the Internet and transferring information.
One of the best tools is Netstat, which is integrated into Windows and with which you can see all the connections, as well as programs, processes and files that create these connections and their statistics. In this sense, you can use this software to know if the webcam is connected and transferring data.
There are videos and photos that you have not taken
You should already know that Windows stores the files you have recorded or the photos you have have you done with the web cam in a special folder, which you can access at any time. And if you haven't done any of these activities, then it should be empty. But what if it isn't?
In case you find video files and photographs taken with the web cam, but you are not responsible for these and no one has had physical access to your computer, then someone remotely may have done it. This confirms that this accessory has been compromised.
But just like with LED lighting, cybercriminals don't want to leave traces that help you realize that they have access to your PCso they are likely to transfer the content they have recorded and delete it from the computer.
What to do if someone has accessed your PC camera
In case you have verified that someone has access to your webcam and is viewing everything and recording through it, then you must take some actions to protect yourselfmaking the cybercriminal unable to continue using it.
Next, We will tell you what you can do to protect your privacyin case someone has accessed your PC camera.
Use a protective cap
If someone is watching and recording without your consent through your webcam, So the first thing you should do is prevent this.. But it's likely that this person has made some settings that prevent you from turning off the web cam from the interface, so you have to resort to something physical.
This is when it is a good idea to have a protective physical cover, which you can integrate into the webcam with the intention of preventing vision, since It is a kind of tab that you can open and close whenever you want. You can buy it online on platforms like Amazon, or you can apply adhesive tape over the web cam so that the cybercriminal cannot see anything.
Unplug it, if you can
If you have a desktop computer, then the web cam is an external device that connects by cable, although you can also use your mobile phone as a camera. This makes it easier to protect privacy, since you just have to disconnect it and that's it. Many people recommend keeping it like this the entire time you are not using it.
This, on a laptop, is not easy, since the web cam is usually integrated into the device, but you can disable it, as we will tell you later. If someone has accessed your camera without consent and you have a desktop PC, then unplug it.
Disable the web cam driver
Whether you have a desktop or laptop, if you want to prevent cybercriminals continue using your webcam, it is best to disable the driver for this device. This works for both of these types of computers.
To do this, you just have to access the Device administratorwhere you will see a list with all the drivers, ordered by categories. You simply have to find the cameras section to search for the driver of the web cam and then you right click and then select Disable device. It is a simple, fast and effective process.
Tips to protect yourself from access to your web cam by cybercriminals
You now know what you can do in case your web cam has been compromised and someone has remote access to it. However, it is always best to prevent this from happening, so we will share some practical tips with you that can help you keep your privacy always protected.
Always keep updates up to date
Having all the programs updated and also the operating system is essential to try to protect your privacysince these patches usually correct vulnerabilities and backdoors that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
Not only should you keep all the programs you have installed updated, but also the operating system. And if you are interested in doing it manually for the camera app on your computer, then you must access the Device administrator and look for the web cam driver. So, you right click and select Update driver. Obviously, you can also use third-party programs for this.
Use a very good antivirus
Having a good antivirus is essential to protect the integrity of your computer and, logically, your privacy. Although there are many free options, such as Windows Defender, which comes preinstalled in Windowsthe truth is that it is always more advisable to opt for paid versions, since they offer you many more tools that can help you.
There are many premium antivirus protection tools, simply You must choose the one that best suits your needs and your pocket.. Having this tool can help you protect your privacy and avoid these invasions by cybercriminals.
Do not use unofficial programs
It is essential that you do not use unofficial programs, since these can be the quick access door for cybercriminals to your computer and control it remotely.
In this sense, it is also important that you use common sense to avoid visiting malicious and unknown websites. You should also not download these unofficial or manipulated filesbecause you would be risking your privacy.
In general, many types of malware access the computer through user permission when installing a program. So you should avoid resorting to these activities.