Worldmertrics.org this July. a report on the computer camera sales market predicts that the global market will reach $6.93 billion by the end of the year.
“The camera industry has grown rapidly during the pandemic, as the need to work from home and use remote calling platforms has increased. Devices with cameras have become an integral part of everyday life, often used even in intimate spaces of the home. As a result, hackers can potentially reach us in compromising situations. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to protect against such threats”, says D. Drakickas.
The specialist provides several features that will help you identify a compromised device and advises you on what to do to protect your privacy from hackers.
Who betrays hackers?
“A camera light that stays on when you’re not using video calling apps could be the first sign that something else is messing with your device. A flashing camera indicator when you are not in a video call could mean that someone is remotely controlling your camera, possibly monitoring or even recording your footage without your knowledge,” says a cyber security expert.
Close all programs and activate your computer’s camera. If you get an error message that the camera is already in use, it may mean that your camera is occupied by a foreign app and possibly hacked.
Tips for protecting your camera
Check app permissions. The first step you should take is to check which apps have access to your device’s camera. Pay attention to apps you don’t know much about or newly installed apps.
Also check if there are any apps running at the time that might be using the camera. If you are using the Windows operating system, open the task manager (English “Task Manager”), and if you are an iOS user – the activity monitor tool (English “Activity Monitor”). View a list of active programs on your computer in real time. If you notice any app using the camera, close or delete it.
It is recommended to remove access for those applications that you do not trust or for which the use of the camera is not necessary. You can also delete suspicious apps one by one and see which one caused the camera indicator to light up.
Update your operating system as updates become available. Regular software updates aren’t a cure-all, but they often fix vulnerabilities, helping to protect your device and prevent bad guys from accessing your camera.
Use a virtual private network (VPN). Your laptop, smartphone or tablet is more likely to be infected with malware if you frequently use public Wi-Fi. Therefore, we advise you to use a VPN to prevent possible hacking of your camera, especially if you are not using your home network for browsing.
Monitor your device’s performance more closely. Notice if you notice that your device is running slower than usual. Also, check if the internet seems to be still as fast. A slow phone or computer may indicate that someone is trying to remotely monitor your activity or hack into your device. If you notice these signs, it’s important to perform a more thorough inspection of your device and, if necessary, contact IT professionals to help keep your device secure and protect your privacy.
2024-08-26 17:45:37