Hacked Webcam: Is Someone Secretly Watching You?

June 3, 2025 By Janne Smith No Comments 7 minutes

Ever seen people taping their laptop cameras? It’s to avoid the spying eyes behind a hacked webcam. Hackers often hack webcams to gain unauthorized access to your device and spy on your activities without your consent. Webcam hacking, or camfecting, is usually done through malware, such as Remote Access Trojans (RATs).

How do you detect a hacked webcam? At times, you might see a red blinking light even when you aren’t using it. But, there are more ways to tell if your webcam has been hacked. That said, this guide covers all about it.

Note:Webcam hacking is often done through trojans, i.e., the malware you might accidentally download by clicking on an ad or pop-up online. We recommend connecting to a VPN, like FastestVPN and leveraging its in-built ad-blocker that helps prevent downloading malware. Meanwhile, run frequent anti-virus scans to ensure there’s no malware on your device.

Understanding Webcam Hacking

Webcam hacking is when a hacker gains unauthorized remote access to your webcam to intrude and spy on your activities via your desktop’s camera. It is done via malware, such as RATs. For example, you click on a random email link, and that leads to a download. That’s how malware gets into your device, which might lead to a hacked webcam. The motives behind webcam hacking vary. It can either be hackers trying to snoop into your personal space for blackmail or financial gain.

How Is a Webcam Hacked?

Blame the malware. The exciting offers that you see online that tempt you to click on the link, for example, offering impressive gifts or cash prizes–that’s malware. Once you click, your webcam can get hacked. Here’s a breakdown of ways a webcam can get hacked:

1. Malware and Remote Access Trojans (RATs)

Remember those too-good-to-be-true deals you’ve been getting emails about? That’s malware. Clicking on those links can infect your device with malware, such as keyloggers, Blackshades, DarkComet, or others.

2. Camfecting

Some websites use JavaScript to request camera access. Allowing access lets the blackhats hack your webcam and spy through that.

3. Social Engineering

Black hats might try to access your webcam via fake tech support calls. For example, they might offer to fix a PC virus. Or, installing a cracked software version is another open invite for hackers to hack your webcam.

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Hackers can intercept your unencrypted WiFi network and snoop into your video stream for an IP camera.

5. Weak Password for IP Cameras

Most IoT devices, such as security cameras or baby monitors, use default credentials. The hackers can then easily log in if passwords remain unchanged for long.

How to Know if a Webcam Is Hacked: The Common Signs

It’s not always the red blinking light–there are more signs that determine if your webcam has been hacked. Here are the common red flags:

1. Abnormal Network Activity

You’ll notice an overconsumed bandwidth when hackers upload videos from your network or stream from it. Additionally, an active and unauthorized webcam stream will slow down your internet connection. Monitor your data usage and abnormal activity to find out if the webcam is hacked.

2. Blinking Webcam Indicator Light

Here comes the OG red flag of hacked webcams–the red blinking webcam light. Notice if the webcam indicator light comes on when you’re not using it. If it blinks, the webcam is potentially hacked.

3. Webcam Doesn’t Turn Off

If you’re trying to use your webcam and it won’t turn on, that’s a common sign of hacked webcams. Check if the issue is persistent and if you keep getting errors that the camera is in use; it might be possible that malware is controlling your webcam.

4. System Performance Issues

Sometimes, malware running in the background will consistently slow down your PC. Check your task manager or Activity Monitor for unknown processes consuming memory and causing the slowdown.

5. Unusual Files and Folders

Look for new, unusual files, apps, or programs on your computer that you didn’t install. RATs often hide in the form of unusual files. Run an antivirus scan and also manually check the apps installed. It’s best to delete the programs that you don’t remember installing.

What to Do if the Webcam Was Hacked?

Reading the above-mentioned signs of a webcam being hacked, if you believe you’re in the same boat, it’s time to do something about it. Here are the steps to take if you think the webcam is hacked:

Initially, confirm if the webcam was hacked by looking for the common signs. For example, look for the indicator light, unusual files on your system, error messages that the camera is in use, and changed security settings. Here’s how to check for the latter:

• Go to Windows Settings > Privacy and Security > Camera.
• Check the apps that have access to your camera.
• Remove access to the apps that you don’t trust.

If all the signs are there, then it’s best to create a data backup using a reliable external drive. Transfer all important files and data. Ensure that the transferred files aren’t infected with malware.

Following this, run an antivirus scan to clean up infected files and programs. Here’s what to do:

• Boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking.
• Update the antivirus and run a scan.
• Remove all detected malware.
• Change all passwords, especially for your bank accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication for all accounts that support it.
• Check for software updates. Run them if required.

How to Prevent Webcam Hacking?

It’s best to take the prevention steps before it’s too late. Here are the prevention steps to take to avoid webcam hacking:

• Covers your computer’s webcam with a piece of opaque tape over the lens to avoid spying eyes if the webcam ever gets hacked.
• Unplug the external webcams if you’re not actively using them.
• Disable the built-in webcam from the Settings. If you’re using Windows, go to Device Manager > Cameras and right-click on Webcam. Select Disable Device. However, if you’re using macOS, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Disable the camera.
• Ensure all your apps and software are updated, including the Operating System of your computer.
• Change all your passwords to stronger ones. Use numbers, letters, and special characters to improve your password strength.
• Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts.
• Don’t trust random links. Avoid downloading malicious software or apps on your device.
• Check application permissions from the settings. Don’t allow camera access to apps that don’t require it.
• Connect to a VPN or configure your router with a VPN to ensure improved security for all connected devices.
• Run antivirus scans to catch anything that has previously slipped through.

Final Note

Hacked webcams open the door to spying eyes, which hackers can use for their personal benefits. However, you can mitigate the threat by always looking for the common signs, such as a blinking light when you aren’t using the webcam. You can prevent the risks by running antivirus scans, using a VPN and avoiding clicking on malicious links online.