Covering your webcam is just an extra step towards cyber security

It is not a secret that cybercriminals work daily to find new ways to attack computer users and infringe their privacy. Unfortunately, a mixture of spam and social engineering can be called cyber criminal’s success formula that helps to force unsuspecting victims to install malware on their computers. While such technique is mostly used for distribution of ransomware, it is also used for distribution of Trojans and other forms of malware. Ugetfix team wants to warn users that ransomware viruses are on the rise at the moment, and if you didn’t know, these viruses corrupt your files and then demand ransom in exchange for data recovery tool. Cyber criminals can easily inject tracking software on your PC as well, including tools that can access your web camera and microphone. While many people believe that attackers are only interested in celebrities and high-profile people, we must say that the rest of computer users can become targets as well. Multi-functional malware is a real thing, which often collects all sorts of data from the victim. Cyber attackers might attempt to record you and use such records to extort money from you later.

Should you cover your webcam with tape?

James Comey, who happens to be the director of FBI, has also expressed his thoughts regarding this matter. According to him, any computer cameras in government offices have small lids that close down on the cameras. J. Comey says that it prevents attackers from looking or recording you, which is always a good thing. People also started to pay attention to this security measure after Mark Zuckerberg, who is the head of Facebook, was captured in a picture with his laptop in the background. Mark’s computer camera, as well as the microphone, was covered with a tape.

However, our team admits that this protection method should be regarded as an optional security measure, because if you do not want anyone to spy on your camera, you should first protect it from malware, and the tape is the last thing that you should look for. If you wish to protect your PC from general Internet hazards, install an anti-malware software first. Another must-do is to regularly update programs that you have to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities of outdated software. Keep the firewall enabled at all times, and avoid visiting shady websites while browsing the Internet. Staying away from emails that come from strangers is also a good idea. Finally, if you are an absolute perfectionist, put tape over your PC’s camera and microphone.

About the author
Jake Doe
Jake Doe - Computer technology geek

Jake Doe is the news editor at UGetFix. Since he met Ugnius Kiguolis in 2003, they both launched several projects that spread awareness about cybercrimes, malware, and other computer-related problems.

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