Many webcams have indicator lights that show when a camera is capturing video.
The Simple Solution: Cover It Up
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.
The best hacker in the world can’t defeat electrical tape.
Scan your gear for Webcam-Related Malware
A traditional virus scanner may not catch webcam-related spyware or malware.
In addition to yourprimary antivirus software, install anti-spyware software.
Augment your primary anti-malware solution with asecond opinion malware scannersuch as MalwarebytesorHitman Pro.
It could contain a Trojan horse malware file that installs webcam-related malware onto the computer.
Malware developers oftenuse link shortening servicessuch asTinyURLandBitlyto mask the true destination link which is likely a malware distribution site.
The simplest way to disable a webcam is through the Windows equipment Manager.
Use the built-in search on the Windows desktop to locate and launch it.
The rig Manager lists every piece of hardware connected to the computer by category.
Webcams are usually listed underCameras, but you’ll also find them under categories such asImaging Devices.
When you find your camera, right-click it, and selectDisable gear.
Windows will ask you to confirm.
You may need to restart the computer for the change to take effect.
Remove the Drivers
If you’re really serious, uninstall the webcam drivers.
This will ensure that Windows has no way to work with the webcam.
Again, it’d take an attacker actually rooting around in the computer to get around this.
To remove drivers, openDevice Manager, right-tap the webcam, then selectUninstall machine.
In theUninstall Devicedialog box, select theDelete the driver software for this devicecheckbox, then selectUninstall.
Windows removes the webcam.
Reinstall the drivers manually to get it back.
Locate the gear driver software, then uninstall it.
