Video: Webcam Hackers Spy on Unknowing People

[Jazzy]

Hackers are now not only able to access your private information, they're able to peer into your personal life by watching you through your webcam.



A report by the Today Show recently shed light on the frightening reality of Internet predators' ability to hack into our computers and turn our webcams on without our knowledge.



It's common to leave your laptop open when you're not using it, and these predators rely on that habit so they can watch your every move in the privacy of your own home.



A computer expert from TraceSecurity, Jim Stickley, showed Today Show producers just how easy it is. He broke into a family's laptop from thousands of miles away, turned on their webcam, and was able to see teen girls in their bedroom and in their dining room eating dinner with the family.



It took about three minutes, Stickley said.



One predator, Luis Mijangos, was caught spying on more than 200 women through their webcams. He even blackmailed some of them. Now he's serving six years in jail.



Stickley said people who are victims generally have no idea that they are victims.



Many people leave their laptops open in their bedrooms, where they get dressed. Hackers watch this act, capture naked photos, and suddenly you're all over the Internet.

Video



Do you have a webcam? If so, does this article worry you?

 

[Evil Eye]

I do not. Don't need one.



Is this worrisome? Yes. Not unexpected, but definitely problematic.

 

[Jazzy]

I don't have one either. I was just amazed at the lengths these hackers go through to spy on people.

 

[Evil Eye]

the lengths these hackers go through

Three minutes of work seems worth the while... (Blackmail could be lucrative after all.)

 

[Sinon]

My laptop has one built in, but I'm not particularly worried. I've noticed on the rare occasions I use it, that a rather bright light switches on next to the lens. It's very noticeable even if you're not trying.



Plus I have a bit of duct tape over it to make sure Skype doesn't activate it >.>