Even if Mark Zuckerberg covers the camera on his laptop, does it mean that we all have to follow him and do it too?
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Yes, Mashable says. By the way, FBI Chief Jimmy Comi has also admitted he does it.
Why? Because webcams can be hacked, and this has happened many times. For example, FBI used malware to infiltrate suspects' computers and spy on them without their knowledge.
It's not hard for anyone to do the same to you. No matter how unbelievable it is.
How do they hack webcams?
There are two types of webcams - IP cameras and computer cameras. The first one has its own IP address, which allows you to connect directly to it from anywhere in the world. This means that bad people can also connect to it, so it must be protected by a strong password. Unfortunately, most cameras are installed with default passwords and users rarely change them. One study found that at some point, 73,000 webcams were accessed with the passwords they were originally assigned to.
Computer webcams. They may be a bit more difficult to access, but that does not mean they are invincible. These are the built-in laptops and those that connect to USB. They can reach them via malware. If you accidentally download an infected file or click on a bad link, this software may turn on your webcam to record you and publish the video online or save it as a file somewhere. It can turn off your camera's LED light so you do not know that they are recording you. Antivirus programs can not catch everything, so it's best to put a physical barrier in front of your camera. A simple patch works.
Finally, it is definitely possible to hack the camera on your phone, but while you are not actively using it, it usually stays in a pocket, bag, face, or back on the table, so it can hardly record anything, which makes it less desirable for hackers.