Here’s a disturbing but very real tactic used by hackers: spying on people through their device’s camera. In some cases, criminals gain access through malware or other security vulnerabilities and can secretly capture photos or videos without the user’s knowledge.
Sometimes this is done simply to invade someone’s privacy. In more serious situations, cybercriminals may try to use those images or videos as leverage, threatening to share them with family members, friends, business contacts, Facebook friends, LinkedIn connections, or people from an email address book they may have also obtained unless a ransom is paid.
If you pay, guess what? You’ve just identified yourself as someone willing to pay an extortion demand, putting a bigger target on your back. There’s also no guarantee the criminal will delete the content. In fact, they may come back and demand even more money because they know you care about keeping the information private.
While webcam spying is not something most people think about every day, it’s a good reminder to follow basic cybersecurity best practices. As an added layer of protection, take advantage of your laptop’s built-in camera shutter, and keep it closed whenever you’re not actively using the camera.
Concerned about protecting your business from cyber threats? Wingman IT Services can help you identify security risks and put safeguards in place. Contact us today to learn how we can help.