On the issue of webcam hacking and our privacy

I’ve read some news lately about hackers controlling our webcams so they can use it as their “eyes”. This is a serious issue of privacy. Some tech-websites are offering some serious trick on avoiding this problem. From installing strong antivirus to a firewall. Others advices to enhance the security of our wireless network. My trick is simpler. We can’t always check the light indicator of our webcam every-time. So an easier way is to have a physical object blocking the camera view.

Here’s some news about the hacking:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/03/12/the-disturbing-technique-used-to-control-computers-and-spy-through-webcams-that-you-should-know-about/
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/how-hackers-can-switch-on-your-webcam-and-control-your-computer-20130328-2gvwv.html
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/03/rat-breeders-meet-the-men-who-spy-on-women-through-their-webcams/

There is actually a very simple way to avoid being a victim.

This is an example of a webcam with manual slide. Got this iLuv webcam for $1 in a discount event (yes, you read it correctly, one dollar) with a bonus of an earphone. We can simply swipe the cover up and the camera won’t see anything. Just make a new habit to have our webcam closed physically when we don’t use it.

What if our webcam is built-in our monitor? Similar approach can still be used. A physical object to cover the camera when not used. Probably will not look very pretty for the monitor, but this is a fail-proof method (provided you don’t forget to cover it).

It is also a good idea not to have webcam in private places like bedroom. If you’re using laptop, closing the lid after each use is also a good habit. Be a bit cautious to strangers in the Internet is also another good habit we need to have. Not just for the sake of this webcam issue, but for our safety in general.