Being Spied On?

D

Dan_C

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Hey, guys.

I'm not sure where to ask this and I tried to put it in the Ask MyBroadband forum but I don't have sufficient privileges, so hopefully this is okay, or a mod will move it to a correct region of the forums.

So my folks are super paranoid of someone hacking into their webcam and spying on them for some reason and the other day something happened to my mum and she insisted that I ask around. She was at the computer when all of a sudden, out of the speakers she heard something that sounded like someone running toward their desk, pulling up a chair, sitting, panting and then the sound cut out. She said it didn't sound like an advert on a website (my parents are pretty tech-savvy for 60-year olds) and it made her really worried.

Any idea what this could be? And is there any way to know if someone is watching/listening to you? And how do you protect yourself against this sort of thing?

Thanks so much!
 
Try disabling webcam and mic in settings, and over the next few days continue as normal and monitor if the same sounds/symptoms are noticed.
 
Is your mom hot...



... for a 60 year old?



Edit: it is not impossible to have picked up malware or a deliberate installation of software, but it is really extremely unlikely. Also, any pervert who hooked his own mic up to his malware so as to broadcast his "panting" to his victim's PC would be extremely foolish
 
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How can you protect yourself?

Luckily, there are quite a few steps you can take to prevent this type of intrusion.

Make sure that you are using anti-virus or anti-malware software on your devices – this goes for both computers and other devices like tablets. Make sure the software is up to date and that you are using the latest operating system available on your device to ensure you have the best security possible.

Experts also recommend using a secure Wi-Fi connection, which means ensuring you have a strong password on your home network.

It’s also important to note that most laptops, desktop monitors and external webcams will have an indicator light showing when the camera is on. If you notice the light come on when you aren’t using the camera, it might be time to get your device looked at.

But, the easiest low-tech option to protect yourself from webcam hackers is simply putting a piece of tape or paper over the camera when you aren’t using it.


-http://globalnews.ca/
Click to expand...


In short, a good Antivirus, strong wifi passwords and uninstall any suspect programs that are installed on the machine.
 
Dan_C said:
So my folks are super paranoid of someone hacking into their webcam and spying on them for some reason
Click to expand...

I think we just found Duduzane Zuma's MYBB account.
 
If it's a USB webcam and mic, they could always unplug them and plug them in only when needed. Doesn't handle the breach if there is one though. Do they have an Antivirus program or anything else installed?
 
LazyLion said:
View attachment 457262
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Hey, yeah we all stick things over our webcams like that already haha. They have antivirus stuff too so I'm beginning to wonder what the heck that incident was about.

PS. Just noticed the wiki on Paranoia and it gave me a good chuckle!
 
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Think they've been watching too much Black Mirror lol. Seems like they're already taking all the necessary precautions -- sticker over the webcam and mic and anti-virus. I'll let them know that everyone else said what I already said >_>
 
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