[Double-A]

Hello everybody, as the title of this thread says, somebody remotely turned on my computer's webcam through the Skype application that I use. I had quit Skype when I was done using it last, but that didn't stop whoever it was. I even looked in the dock to see if any applications were open which could be causing my webcam to be activated. Skype was not shown as being open. I gave the computer to somebody else who is more tech savvy than I am and they eventually gave my computer back to me and told me that somebody had remotely activated my webcam and that they had resolved the issue. I usually have my webcam covered with tape, but for this incident, I did not. I quickly covered my webcam after with a piece of tape once again. However, I'm worried about the possibility of someone listening to me through my computer's microphone. Does anybody have any suggestions for companies who sell some sort of material that I can cover my microphone with so that nobody can hear anything if they activate my microphone to try to listen to me?
 
This reinforces my desire to own a computer that does NOT have a built in microphone and webcam. When you have a computer with these things built in, you are opening the door for somebody to spy on you. Anyway, if I am wanting to use a microphone or a webcam, I could buy my own higher quality microphone and webcam and use them. I would prefer that setup, because that way, you could plug those things into your computer when you need to use them, and then remove them when you don't. Nobody can remotely turn your microphone and webcam on when there aren't any to turn on.

 

[billybob_jcv]

I really wish you wouldn't pick your nose while you type...


You can disable the recording device in the sound control panel.





However, you are worried about the horse after it has already left the barn. You need to prevent the malware from being installed on your computer, and you need to avoid performing actions that increase the likelihood your computer becomes infected with malware. This means running a good firewall router that is configured correctly and running good anti-malware & anti-spam software. Don't click on links in emails or IM messages, don't click on banner ads and don't visit dodgy web sites. Don't download and install pirated software and keygen apps. Don't install "free downloaders" and other software that is full of adware. Don't let installers install toolbars and other "tools". Don't disable or lower security settings to make games run faster.

 

[382921]

welcome to the botnet.Its your fault using non-free software.

if you are really that concerned about being spied just install the webcam drivers.

 

[Fernando Pancho]

I use a program called Glasswire. It is like an extension to the firewall and gives me a lot of information about which programs are connecting to servers. I can then check and see what those servers are. In my country we have to use a lot of protection programs since the internet provider is not trusted. Especially online banking is not advised.

 

[xkonfuzed]

So what if someone's listening