Is it possible to covertly observe a person through a webcam

Recently, programs have appeared on the Internet that allow people to follow other people through the camera. As a rule, they are created for certain purposes and not everyone has access to them. But still there are people who are able to use these programs. To protect your personal space, you need to find out how these programs work and whether you can protect yourself from them.

Is it possible to monitor a person through a webcam

Yes it is possible. Hackers can write program codes that are capable of performing this function. Most often, programs are written not for public purposes (they are illegal), but to track a specific person whose life others are interested in. Spying on ordinary people makes no sense.

Ways to turn on someone else’s webcam

There are many options with which you can turn on someone else’s camera. But the most common two:

1. Trojan virus. Its action is aimed not only at transmitting images from the camera, but also transferring data from a computer. It can also corrupt information. The virus has a whole range of functions from disabling the antivirus to transmitting information to another user. The Trojan virus works as follows: along with downloaded data from the Internet, an additional program is also downloaded, which is automatically installed. It is difficult to notice it, especially when downloading a large amount of data.
2. Metterpretter. This is a functional program that is implemented in explorer processes. The purpose of this program is data collection. It allows you to access remote information, including the camera. This program is not a virus, so not all antiviruses can detect it.

Attention! The Trojan virus is considered one of the most dangerous, because it is not always caught by antivirus.

Is such surveillance legal?

No, any surveillance through a camera without the consent of a person is illegal. There is an article invading a person’s personal life and private property. For this you can get a deadline. At the same time, officials (for example, police) can use surveillance via a webcam if they have received permission.

How to protect yourself

There are several rules that can help protect yourself from surveillance through the camera:

1. First you need to download a good antivirus. He is able to catch viruses.
2. We also check all the files downloaded on the Internet. If there is any doubt, they should be deleted.
3. Any program will not be able to access the camera if the latter is turned off. Therefore, when you do not need a device, you should turn it off.
4. If the camera is built-in (for example, in a laptop), you can disable it through the BIOS. Or you can just stick the camera on if you are sure that someone is watching, but you can’t turn it off.
5. Check camera operation. If you notice flares or flashes in the work, there is a possibility that you are being watched.
6. Check outbound traffic usage.

If the surveillance program is made by a professional and it is well hidden, it is almost impossible to identify it. Antiviruses are unlikely to help. But remember that they follow mainly those who keep state secrets or something important. Therefore, the risk that you are being watched is extremely low.