Hacking your camera “not only” violates your privacy, it also seriously affects your mental health and peace of mind. Cybersecurity company ESET warned against camera hacking and gave information on what to do.

We spend our time with our computers, smartphones; We live a digital life in front of the screen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also means that we spend time in front of a camera. But while the cameras we use online allow us to lend a hand to our friends and family and attend meetings from virtually anywhere, they do come with some risks; hack camera.

How does camera hacking happen?

Remote Access Trojan Horse (RAT) is special malware that allows attackers to control victims’ electronic devices remotely. This method allows attackers to record and send video files to them by activating the camera without even turning on the light. The same software allows attackers to track keystrokes and steal much more information, such as passwords and banking information. RAT, like any other malware, can be installed in the following ways:

1. Link or malicious attachments in phishing emails
2. malicious links in messaging apps or social media; and
3. Legal looking malicious mobile apps

Security Vulnerabilitiesis another theoretical method by which hackers can infiltrate cameras to violate people’s privacy. Software contains many errors because it is made by humans. Some of these bugs can be exploited, allowing attackers to take certain actions, such as remote access to devices.

Hacked Home Security Devices Although it is a slightly different situation, it still poses a major privacy risk. These devices include security cameras and baby monitors, which are increasingly becoming an integral part of smart homes. Although they are designed to protect our family, these devices can fall into the hands of attackers. As mentioned above, the devices in question could fall into the hands of attackers with security vulnerabilities, or they could also “brute force” these devices with automated software that tries to use the passwords we previously used for new accounts.

How do you know if your camera has been hacked?

Many camera hackers live far away from their victims, especially in countries where professional cyber criminals who want to extort their victims or sell their personal information on the Internet are ignored. This makes it more important than ever that we take protective measures to understand if we have been targeted.

ESET experts pointed out four points about signs that your camera has been hacked;

Camera indicator light on While some hackers can hide their attacks by turning off the camera light, this is not always the case. If your light is on when you’re not using your camera, your device may have been compromised.

Strange files on your computer Even if a hacker takes an image of your camera, saved files can remain on your computer. Check for anything unusual, especially in the documents or video folders on your hard drive.

Have some unusual applications on your system The Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is one of the most common ways hackers use your camera remotely. Scan for malware and see if you get a warning about software that shouldn’t be on your computer or device as a result of the scan.

Your settings have been changed To make things even easier, another action of malware like RAT interferes with the security software on your device or operating system. Check if any security features are disabled.

What if someone contacts you and claims to have hijacked your camera? This may say less than you think. Opportunistic scammers use certain information, such as an old email address and password obtained through a previous breach, as “proof” that they gained access to your device and camera. They try to scam you and send cryptocurrencies to everyone in your contacts, threatening to send you inappropriate images or videos. Follow the steps above and ignore these blackmail attempts unless there is solid evidence that the scammers are telling the truth.

How to prevent camera hacking?

To protect against camera hacks, vigilance and best practice security are required. Always update your computer, mobile phone or smart home devices with the latest software and install an antivirus program on it. Make sure your device is secured with a strong and unique passcode or passphrase, along with two-factor authentication (2FA) if possible. Do not click on the links of an unsolicited address. Cover your camera lenses when not in use, although it won’t stop criminals from eavesdropping on you with your microphone.

Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency