Webcams

A webcam is, simply put, any camera that is connected to the internet. We typically associate it with small cameras put on top of monitors or the ones built into laptops.

Regardless, a webcam is most often used for online conversations.

Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s also more common than many believe. Now, before you go and toss your laptop in the bin, please remember there are many steps you can take to reduce this potential threat to your privacy.

As long as your anti-virus and firewall are running and updated, the odds of your webcam getting hacked are significantly reduced. The biggest risk happens if you open an unknown file and accidentally infect your PC with a virus, which can provide a hacker access.

Scan your PC often, especially after having been adventurous on the web, and keep your software up to date.

Webcams typically turn themselves off when not in use. If you are still nervous, you can always guarantee the webcam is turned off by removing it from the USB port or deleting its files from your system settings. It’s a tad overkill, but it can be done.

If you’re worried about someone peeking along, you can actually buy a webcam cover, which you place in front of the camera.