How to Catch a Webcam Hacker?

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How to Catch a Webcam Hacker?

I have had the same MacBook for about four years now, and it's the best computer I've ever owned.

But I have reason to believe that about two weeks ago, my webcam was hacked.

I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and was logged into Gmail one evening, not using the computer but reading a magazine in bed with my laptop facing me. After about 15 minutes of reading, I looked up at my computer to shut it down for the night and when I looked at the screen, I could see myself in bed. The green light next to the webcam was on, and my iPhoto application was enabled. As soon as I saw this, the camera shut off, the iPhoto application shut down, and the computer logged itself off.

I have never seen anything like this happen in the four years I've owned this computer. I feel preyed upon and I want to catch whoever did this so I told the local law enforcement authorities but they said that in order to do any kind of analysis on my laptop, they'd have to sent it off to the U.S. and it would be at least a month and a half before I could get it back. But I'm going home in less than a month so I want to find a quicker solution. I called Apple and they said that there is nothing they can do to troubleshoot the computer to see if anyone has been hacking into my machine.

I would like to know if there is anything I can do to a) find out who did this and b) prevent them from doing it again, especially if they're doing it to other people on the local network. I have since put a piece of black electrical tape over the lens.

Thanks for any help!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 6, 2012 5:52 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 6, 2012 9:42 AM in response to jc2231

I'm not sure how to stop this other than reformating and setting up as a new computer. Did you by any chance buy the computer used without reformatting and setting it up as a new computer? If so, the old owner could easily login using certain apps and turn on the cam as you have noticed.

By the way, thanks for your service. It is appreciated.

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Answer 2

jc2231 Author

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Jan 6, 2012 9:18 PM in response to TooDarkPark

No, I bought this computer from an Apple store. When I called Apple, they told me that someone would need my password in order to be able to access my webcam through computer remotely but based on what I saw, I don't think that's the case.

Thanks for your support.

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Answer 3

Mac-King

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Oct 15, 2012 4:39 PM in response to jc2231

jc2231 - I couldn't help but feel the need to reach out to you. This problem seems to be much bigger than most people realize. Anything from running Skype, to clicking a "bad" link could potentially turn your computer into a 24/7 spy camera (believe it or not). If you "google" webcam hacking, you will see how bad the issue has gotten - and unforunately, if there are 3rd party webcam hacking software tutorials on Youtube... chances are the software these people are using is only a fraction of what a real hacker can do in this day and age. Just think about that.

I encourage you to check out this website - www.camjamr.com

They specialize in reusable and removable webcam covers. There are also tons of articles about webcam hacking.

You can like them on Facebook or Twitter @camJAMR for a chance to win a free pack of your choice. They are coming out with 8 new designs also. Including one for breast cancer, and one for support the troops

Check them out, there's no really no sure way to know if your computer/tablet/phone is safe or not. But if you have a camJAMR webcam cover - they will never be able to spy on you again...

Cheers.

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Answer 4

Feb 15, 2014 9:10 AM in response to jc2231

A very inexpensive camera blocker is available through www.secdotx.com or www.phonecamerablocker.com . This issue is only going to get worse as the government gets into it even further. The blockers or covers at these sites will provide protection for phone cameras, web cams, Xbox kinect cameras, cables box cameras and any other use that you can think of to provider security against anyone that hacks into your cameras and invades your privacy. In additional they can be customized with logos for companies that would like to provide protection for their customers as well as provide for advertising.

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