How to Check If Your Webcam Has Been Hacked: 7-Step Checklist

If a hacker gains access to your webcam and starts spying on you, it can lead to a lot of trouble. Fortunately, remotely controlling a camera without being noticed is quite difficult. Below are seven ways to check if your device has been hacked or is being controlled remotely.

1. Pay Attention to the Indicator Light

The small red, green, or blue light next to your webcam lens signals whether video is currently being recorded. When the camera is off, the indicator should be off as well. If the light is blinking and you’re not using the camera, someone else may have access to your device. If the light is constantly on, the camera is likely recording video. In both cases, your device may be under external control.

Sometimes the indicator stops working, and owners don’t bother fixing it. However, a non-working indicator increases the risk that someone could use your device without your knowledge, and you wouldn’t notice anything suspicious.

2. Check for Unknown Files

If someone is using your camera to record video, there will likely be video or audio files you didn’t create. If you find files in your recordings folder that you don’t recognize, they may have been created by a hacker during unauthorized use of your camera.

3. Review Applications Using the Camera

Sometimes, your webcam may be controlled by an unknown application. This can happen if you’ve downloaded malware that has taken over the device. Try turning on the camera. If you get a message that the device is already in use, it’s likely being controlled by an application. Check all apps that have access to your camera.

4. Use Malware Scanners

It’s time to get specific about which applications are using your webcam by running a malware scan. Here’s what to do:

• Boot your computer in Safe Mode, which loads only the essential drivers and programs. On Windows 10, you can enter Safe Mode by typing msconfig in the search bar and pressing Enter. In the System Configuration panel, go to the Boot tab and select Safe Mode. The system will enter Safe Mode after restarting.
• Once in Safe Mode, delete all temporary and unnecessary files to speed up the scan.
• Run your antivirus software to check for malware.
• If your antivirus doesn’t find anything, try using the built-in scanner in Google Chrome, which often has more up-to-date databases.

5. Watch for Unusual Webcam Behavior

Webcams are becoming more advanced every day. For example, they can pan to increase the field of view, have built-in microphones and speakers, and even adjust lenses for better resolution. If you notice your device doing any of these things when you’re not using it, it could be under remote control.

Pay attention to any small details. If the device moves or makes strange noises, it’s likely been hacked.

6. Check Webcam Security Settings

You can use your webcam for home monitoring, provided the security settings haven’t been compromised. If you notice any of the following in your security settings, it’s a red flag:

• The password has reverted to the default.
• You can’t change the settings.
• The firewall protecting the webcam is disabled.
• The admin account username has been changed.

It’s also a good idea to check other settings for any unauthorized changes.

7. Monitor Network Traffic

Network data streams can reveal how intensively your internet is being used. Unexpected spikes in network traffic may indicate that data is being transmitted without your knowledge. You can check this in Task Manager.

For example, in Windows 10, use the App History tab in Task Manager to see which applications are using the network. Here, you can track whether your webcam (or any unknown app) is sending data. If you find a suspicious app, use a malware removal tool to track and delete it.

Keep an Eye on Your Webcam

Your webcam is designed to monitor your surroundings, but it also needs to be monitored itself. If you notice any suspicious activity, check immediately to see if your device has been hacked.

Now you know what to look for to detect and deal with this problem in time. If you’re still not sure your device is safe and virus-free, consider buying a new, budget-friendly webcam as a last resort.