International. Cybersecurity experts explain what "camfecting" is, a computer attack that consists of manipulating a camera (and that is not solved just by covering it).
Two out of three people are concerned that criminals might track them online, according to research from NordVPN. This fear is not irrational, since one of the most common cybersecurity crimes is camera hacking.
Criminals can secretly spy on users, record videos of them, and then use the material to blackmail victims, under the threat of publishing the images. In addition, having someone's private life published without their consent is not the only negative effect that camfecting can have.
"Camfecting attacks are more frequent than it seems. Hackers can take control of the device's camera by installing malware, a type of malicious software, on the victim's laptop or cell phone. To do so, they often use methods such as sending emails with viruses, taking users to dangerous websites, or infecting them with downloads from untrustworthy sites. The good news is that there are warning signs that can be identified and simple ways to improve camera security to protect against these types of attacks," says Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity expert at NordVPN.
Signs of hacking
There are many signs that indicate that a camera has been hacked. For example, if the light comes on or flashes even though it has not been activated before, there is a possibility that it has been tampered with. However, this isn't a universal rule: if your camera's light acts abnormally, it could be because an app has turned it on, for example.
There are other signs of possible camfecting threats, such as faster battery consumption, the installation of random apps without the user's knowledge, or the locking, for no apparent reason, of a device. In these situations, it is advisable to install or run malware detection software, such as Threat Protection Pro™ or an antivirus. If a user detects any of these signs, experts advise talking to IT professionals.
Tips to prevent hacking
"Putting duct tape over the camera blocks the attackers' vision, but it doesn't solve the underlying problem. The same malware that turns on the camera can access personal files, messages, and browsing history. Cybersecurity experts always recommend using additional protection and avoiding suspicious downloads," says Warmenhoven.
The best protection against malware, according to Adrianus Warmenhoven, is to take the following steps:
- A firewall, also called a firewall, protects the system by monitoring network traffic, blocking suspicious connections. Users should have security settings in place and ensure that the firewall built into the computer is working properly.
- Users should choose an antivirus with advanced protection against malware, spyware, and viruses. An antivirus program will detect and neutralize malicious threats before they cause damage. For example, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature blocks cyber threats, such as files with malware or malicious websites.
- Hackers may pose as tech support agents and contact users, claiming that there is a problem with the device. This is a common phishing technique for introducing remote access software onto a device. This software allows them to access the camera and manage its permissions.
- Cybercriminals often target people who connect to free WiFi hotspots and try to introduce malware onto their devices. It is advisable to use a VPN to protect connections on public networks.
Leave your comment