What is webcam hacking and how to avoid it

Webcam hacking through phishing and malware is more common than you might realize. Camfecting can allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to your webcam or smartphone camera, turning a casual video chat into a serious breach of digital privacy. So, what is webcam hacking, and how does it happen?

Cybercriminals deploy malware hidden in phishing emails with file attachments or exploit a cross-site scripting bug. They then install Remote Access Trojans (RATs) to spy on you or use your camera as a backdoor into your network. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent webcam hacking and protect your privacy.

We’ll explain how a VPN shields your IP address from hackers and how simple tools, such as a webcam cover, can provide a useful physical barrier. Keep scrolling for our in-depth webcam cybersecurity tips and tricks.

How does webcam hacking work?

Webcam hacking, also known as camfecting, is the act of remotely gaining control of a device’s camera without permission. It involves exploiting security weaknesses to access the webcam, often through malware like a Trojan virus. This type of attack poses a serious cybersecurity threat, jeopardizing your digital privacy. Whether you’re a home user or running a business, unauthorized access to your webcam can expose sensitive conversations or even physical spaces.

As smart home devices become more common, Internet of Things (IoT) security has become a serious concern. Even innocuous-looking devices can introduce security vulnerabilities. The dangers are often magnified when using public Wi-Fi (or unsecured networks), which is why we recommend using a VPN.

The idea that you could turn on your computer and find your webcam light flashing on its own is enough to make anyone nervous. So, how do you avoid webcam hacking?

In this guide, we explain how to determine if your webcam has been hacked. You’ll learn to look for unexplained video files, monitor for altered security settings, and check your firewall. We’ll help you adopt better online security habits: use strong passwords stored in a password manager, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), keep software updates current, and prevent webcam hacking with antivirus software such as TotalAV or Norton.

Why do cybercriminals hack webcams?

If hackers gain access to your webcam, they can spy on webcam conversations across Microsoft Teams, Facebook Messenger, and other platforms, posing a serious digital privacy risk. This often leads to the theft of personal information, which hackers use for phishing attacks, social engineering, or outright fraud.

In some cases, hackers record intimate conversations and profit by uploading them to pornography websites or threatening to share them online unless victims pay a ransom in Bitcoin. This type of blackmail causes psychological and emotional stress, as well as financial losses.

Webcam hacking doesn’t just affect laptops or desktop webcams. Hackers can also target phones, tablets, and other networked devices in your home, such as security cameras and baby monitors—devices that form part of the Internet of Things (IoT). These devices often remain vulnerable due to poor security settings or unchanged default passwords.

Unfortunately, the danger often spills over into the physical world. When hackers compromise smart home cameras, they gain valuable insights into your habits and whereabouts. They can later exploit this information to commit serious crimes such as theft, burglary, or kidnapping.

Motivations and the Dark Web economy

Webcam hacking attacks are rarely random. They are usually calculated and financially motivated. Some hackers seek compromising footage to use as blackmail, while others seek to accumulate data that they can sell for a profit.

Company webcams may be hacked for industrial espionage purposes. This could lead to the theft of valuable data such as intellectual property or R&D materials.

In high-stakes environments such as journalism, politics, or legislature, state-sponsored hackers may use camfecting to monitor individuals involved in sensitive activities, negotiations, or projects.

What’s even more concerning is that cybercriminals can now purchase RATs and hacking kits on the dark web. This allows unskilled attackers (such as script kiddies) to engage in webcam hacking and other attack vectors that violate your online security.

How do cybercriminals engage in webcam hacking?

Cybercriminals engage in webcam hacking through phishing, malware, and social engineering, using multiple attack vectors to gain access and control. Knowing how hackers target webcams can greatly help you to prevent attacks in the future.

1. Malware and Remote Access Trojans (RATs)

Hackers often take control of webcams using malware, particularly Trojan viruses or other forms of sophisticated spyware. They disguise these malicious files as legitimate software or downloads, which makes them easy to install by mistake.

The most dangerous form of webcam malware is the Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Once a RAT infects a system, it grants the attacker complete control over the device, including peripheral devices such as webcams and microphones. Some RATs disable the webcam indicator light to prevent the victim from knowing they are being watched.

In the case of an Android mobile device (smartphone or tablet) becoming infected with a RAT, it could also allow the attacker to access apps, social media accounts, email accounts, contact lists, device storage (including documents, photos, or videos), and even use the device to make calls.

Many Android-specific RATs are delivered by tricking users into sideloading APK files. These are apps that have been installed outside the official Google Play Store. These apps often pose as harmless tools or games but can provide hackers with access to your camera, microphone, GPS, and stored media once installed. This is why it is essential to stick to official app stores and carefully check app permissions to ensure you aren’t granting access to your webcam.

The most sophisticated Trojans may also bypass the firewall and alter security settings to avoid detection. In some cases, they may modify system files or registry entries to evade antivirus software, or reinstall themselves via a remote Command and Control (CnC) server if antivirus software tries to remove them.

Remember: A hacked webcam is just one part of a broader spyware infection. The attacker may also be logging keystrokes, reading messages, or capturing passwords in real time.

2. Phishing

Phishing is still one of the most common and effective attack vectors used by hackers to deliver RATs to victims. Attackers send fake emails, social media messages, and SMS messages that appear to come from trusted sources like banks, government agencies, or online services.

These messages are crafted using official-looking letterheads and logos. They also use cloned URLs and email addresses, which make the fake messages seem genuine.

Hackers design phishing messages to create a sense of urgency and tug on people’s emotions. At times, they may prey on people’s hopes and gullibility by telling them they have won a prize or can get a discount by clicking the link.

Others create worry or panic by making the user believe there is a problem with their account. These types of messages often prompt the user to confirm a purchase or payment, reset a password, or follow a link to access important account information.

Hackers often use phishing campaigns with malicious links that direct users to fake or cloned websites, where they trick users into entering login details and gain access to accounts, devices, and eventually the webcam.

Phishing emails with file attachments leverage emotional manipulation to successfully deliver malware (including the RATs mentioned above). Some contain .zip files posing as invoices or vacation photos sent from a friend or contact. If the user clicks the link or opens the attachment, the malware installs itself quietly in the background, granting hackers full access to your webcam and compromising your online security.

3. Exploiting security vulnerabilities

Security vulnerabilities are another common method used to perform webcam takeovers. This method exploits vulnerabilities in outdated software or zero-day exploits that have not yet been patched by the software developer.

For example, outdated software in webcam firmware or camera-related applications can allow hackers to access the webcam. This is why ignoring software updates is so dangerous: it allows bugs to remain vulnerable to exploitation.

Devices that use factory-default passwords and lack strong passwords set through a password manager are another easy target. Many of the internet-connected devices we purchase come with a basic password, which you are supposed to update when you set up the device.

Failure to update the default password on Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as baby monitors and smart cameras, massively increases the likelihood that hackers will gain remote access to the device.

An example of a security vulnerability is the universal cross-site scripting bug (UXSS) discovered in Apple webcams back in 2022. This zero-day vulnerability enabled hackers to remotely hijack the device (Apple has since patched it).

Advanced attackers may also target weak points in a user’s home network to access connected systems, which is why it is always a good idea to use a VPN to conceal your IP address from other internet users, particularly during Peer-to-Peer activities such as torrenting, where unknown users could turn out to be cybercriminals.

4. Granting webcam access via app permissions

In some cases, excessive webcam permissions in apps or browsers can lead to hacking. Apps like conferencing tools or browsers can retain webcam access even after use. This is why it is so important to consider which apps have permission to access your webcam. We recommend reviewing your app permission settings to ensure that access is restricted to trusted applications only.

Some modern attacks may use malicious browser scripts to activate your camera. This is why you must be cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites. Another solution is to use a browser that blocks webcam access by default.

5. Social engineering

Hackers employ social engineering techniques to establish trust and lure victims with email subjects tailored to their interests. Once they establish trust, they manipulate victims into compromising their own devices or accounts by handing over personal information or granting access.

Hackers often pose as IT support and request remote access to fix a fake issue. Once they gain access, they install surveillance tools, keyloggers, or a sophisticated Trojan that connects back to their Command and Control server.

In other cases, hackers lure victims during casual online chats, asking them to visit a fake website or open a seemingly harmless file to trigger the hack.

How can I tell if my webcam is hacked?

Worried someone has compromised your webcam? Watch for red flags that signal someone might be using your camera without your knowledge.

The most obvious sign is your webcam indicator light turning on or flickering unexpectedly. If the light turns on when you aren’t using any video apps, it could mean that a Remote Access Trojan (or another malware variant) is controlling your camera. Please note that some sophisticated payloads can disable your webcam indicator light, making it more difficult to detect unwanted access.

Other signs of a hacked webcam include:

• Finding video or audio files saved on your device that you didn’t create.
• Changes to your security settings or webcam preferences were made without your knowledge or consent.
• Your webcam shows as “in use” in system resource monitors (like Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS).
• Your firewall or antivirus software is showing alerts or blocks related to camera access.
• Sluggish performance when opening video apps or browser windows.

If you’re still unsure whether your webcam is compromised, close all apps, reboot the device, and leave it idle for a few minutes. If the camera light turns on again without any input, that could indicate that your device has been compromised.

You can also try this: start a video call on your phone or tablet and keep your laptop idle. If your laptop’s webcam light turns on even though you’re not using it, that may suggest unauthorized access. In some cases, hackers may be spying on you using a second device when they expect you to be active on a call, hoping to capture footage or audio without your knowledge.

What can I do if I am a victim of webcam hacking?

If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above, treat it as an immediate red flag. Unwanted webcam access can be more than just an invasion of privacy – it may indicate that a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) or similar malware has been installed.

These threats often give attackers full control over your device, including access to emails, social media accounts, banking apps, and stored files. That is why it is so important to monitor for unwanted webcam use; it can alert you to deeper problems.

If you do suspect something is wrong, follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect from the internet immediately. This will cut off the attacker’s live access to your device.
2. Run a full antivirus scan using trusted software like TotalAV, Norton, or Malwarebytes. This will help detect and remove any malicious programs, including RATs or spyware.
3. Check your webcam permissions in both your operating system and installed apps. Revoke access from anything unfamiliar or unnecessary. On Windows, you can do this via Settings > Privacy > Camera. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera.

Additional steps to protect your privacy and online security

If your antivirus finds and removes an exploit, it is vital that you also follow the steps below to shore up any potentially compromised accounts:

• Change your passwords, especially for email, cloud storage, social media, banking apps, and any other sensitive services. Use strong, unique passwords stored in a password manager, such as the one included with TotalAV.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all sensitive accounts to prevent unauthorized logins without physical access to your device.
• Cover your webcam when not in use using a webcam cover or a sliding lens blocker.
• Check your firewall and antivirus logs for suspicious activity.
• Update your software and firmware to patch any known security vulnerabilities.

If any sensitive personal material was captured or you’re receiving blackmail threats, report the incident immediately to local law enforcement or a cybercrime unit. Many jurisdictions now have systems in place to help victims of webcam extortion (sextortion). Acting quickly and without fear or shame can help limit damage and potentially speed up the removal of stolen content from offending platforms.

How do I block webcam access in Firefox and Chrome?

Below, we explain how to block webcam access in Firefox and Chrome. For maximum privacy, consider using extensions like uMatrix or Privacy Badger, which let you block webcam scripts and permissions dynamically for each website that you visit.

Block webcam access in Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Scroll down and click Privacy and security.
4. Select Site Settings.
5. Under Permissions, click Camera.
6. Under “Default behaviour” you’ll see buttons labeled “Sites can ask to use your camera.” and “Don’t allow sites to use your camera”. Choose the bottom option to remove webcam access, or leave it on the top option if you want to be asked each time.

Alternatively, you can block individual websites under the “Not allowed to use your camera” section. To block a website, navigate to it in your Chrome browser and follow these steps:

1. Click the two-slider icon at the left of the address bar.
2. In the dropdown, click Site settings.
3. In the Permissions list, find Camera and set it to Block.
4. Reload the page for the change to take effect.

Block webcam access in Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click Privacy & Security on the left sidebar.
4. Scroll down to the Permissions section.
5. Next to Camera, click Settings. You’ll see a list of websites with camera permissions. Remove any you don’t trust. At the bottom, uncheck “Block new requests asking to access your camera” to stop all future prompts.
6. Click Save Changes to apply.

Can a webcam be exploited as a backdoor?

Yes. Hackers can exploit a webcam as a backdoor into your network or device, especially if you haven’t updated its default security settings or password.

This type of device hacking typically targets external webcams, smart cameras, or IP cameras that are exposed on a home or office network.

In these cases, cybercriminals scan IP ranges for internet-facing cameras that still use factory-default credentials or have unpatched firmware vulnerabilities. Once they gain access to the webcam’s control panel or video feed, they can use the device as a foothold into your network—a method known as creating a backdoor.

From there, an attacker may scan for other devices on the network, such as your computer, router, or file storage systems (like NAS drives). If they find any known vulnerabilities, they might exploit them to install malware, sniff unencrypted traffic, hijack connected devices, or add them to a botnet.

How to avoid webcam backdoor exploits

We’ve already covered the most important steps to prevent webcam hacking. However, if you’re worried that hackers could exploit your device as a backdoor, consider taking these two additional precautions:

• Check your network for unusual outbound connections: Use network monitoring tools like GlassWire (Windows) or Little Snitch (macOS) to spot unknown apps trying to communicate with suspicious servers. If you find anything unusual, it could indicate that a Trojan is sending data to a command-and-control (CnC) server.
• Disable unused webcams in your BIOS or UEFI settings: If you rarely use your webcam, disable it at the firmware level. This creates a hardened barrier that malware can’t easily bypass, especially on infected machines.

How to disable webcams in your BIOS or UEFI settings

If you rarely use your webcam, disabling it in your BIOS or UEFI settings provides an extra layer of protection. Unlike software-level settings, BIOS-level changes disable the webcam at the hardware level. This makes it inaccessible to malware and remote access tools (unless the trojan is extremely sophisticated and has root access to turn your hardware back on).

Steps to disable your webcam in BIOS/UEFI:

1. Restart your computer.
2. As the system boots, press the key that opens BIOS or UEFI setup. This is often F2, Delete, F10, or Esc, depending on your computer.
3. Navigate to the Advanced, Integrated Peripherals, or Security tab (the wording may vary).
4. Look for an option like “Integrated Camera,” “Webcam,” or “CMOS Camera.”
5. Change the setting from Enabled to Disabled.
6. Save your changes and exit (usually by pressing F10).

Once disabled, the webcam will no longer appear in your operating system, and no application or malware will be able to access it, unless you re-enable it manually in the BIOS.

Note: Not all BIOS/UEFI versions have webcam controls. If you don’t see the option, your system may not support disabling your webcam at the firmware level.

Can an antivirus prevent webcam hacking?

Yes. The most important thing you can do is to install a comprehensive Internet security suite, such as TotalAV or Norton. These tools scan incoming files and block malicious payloads before they can infect your system.

Independent labs have thoroughly audited the best antivirus suites. They confirmed their effectiveness at detecting malware variants capable of espionage, including spyware and trojans.

Remember to enable automatic updates and keep your virus definition library up to date. This will ensure that your machine is protected against emerging threats.

Webcam hacking FAQs