In today’s digital world we are threatened daily online. There are viruses to destroy our devices, malware to get our usernames, passwords, other information, ransomware to lock up your files and then charge you lots of money to unlock it again.
The same problems could be running on your smartphone. If you are one of the 47.5% of people in the US that still uses a landline phone, you also get fake IRS warning calls or some alerting you regarding misuse of your bank account.
What if they could gather information about you did not know it? Maybe while listening to you or watch your reactions as you visit sites or watch and listen to you at home?
Do not worry too much as it is not common but it is a real possibility.
Take for instance your notebook computer. You take it with you to the coffee shop, could it be telling someone what shop you are in, what you are eating drinking and looking at online along with the conversation you are having with your close friend? The short answer is, “Yes” to most probable answer is, “No”?
Here is the what could happen. There are some sites and applications that may install whatever it needs to function; however, it then installs a background app that turns your camera and microphone on your notebook which allows a nefarious group to watch, listen, record and evaluate what goes on around your computer.
I used to laugh at friends years ago who would put tape over the camera lens on their computers…now, not so much. But that still leaves the microphone able to listen in.
There are several ways digitally to cut them both off. But those ways are cumbersome and something that would be a hassle to undo if you needed to use them every now-and-then. I do not suggest them for the majority of my readers.
Easier steps are to make sure you use and then keep your antivirus and antimalware products updated which includes your operating system. That is an excellent first line of defense. If you have an external camera/microphone combo unplug it while not in use. Some browsers alert you when your camera or mic is activated then you will know and have the option to shut them off. Chrome is the one that I use.
Next, do not download apps that you have not thoroughly reviewed or read many people’s online comments that use and recommend the app. Also, do not be a celebrity, politician or CEO of a large company that has information the world would love to get.
Next you could try this. Click your Windows menu button and type, “Camera” and choose, “Camera privacy settings.” There you can choose different security options which are self-explanatory. Many people do not trust this and still perform the final mechanical method below.
For the microphone in Windows. Click your Windows menu icon and type, “change sound” without the quotes and click on, “Change sound card settings.” When it opens click on the “Recording” tab. Finally, right click on any microphone you see listed and select, “disable.” Done.
Last, the mechanical way to stop them. Put tape over the camera lens and mic. Make sure not to stick the tape directly on the camera lens. It could leave a sticky mess on it and make it inoperable in the future. Try a small piece of paper over the clear lens and tape over that.
Now, what about me personally? I leave mine on and do not worry. I feel that, for me, my antivirus and malware protection are sufficient. However, when at home I usually keep my desktop’s external camera pointed at the ceiling. I do not want to see a picture of me posted online in my PJs.
