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Q: Cover your computer lens to prevent peeping?
Hmmm well my last topic discussing this was deleted............let's try again.
Anyone ever heard of or seen people cover their cam lens on their computer? I have seen some students do this. What's your opinion?
11 years 1 week ago in Web & Technology - China
Yeah, the whole "freedom of speech" seems to be kind of a double standard here (keywords: ninety-nine-silver-matt). Weird, huh?
As I said last time, I have nothing to hide, but I still like my privacy, so I cover mine, even in France.
Anyone skilled enough can peep through your webcam, so I guess an important organization that's reputed for hacking and spying everyone MIGHT actually do it. But they totally wouldn't, because they're cool, right? Right.
just put on a tinfoil hat (shiny side in) and make sure to smile all the time you are at your computer
I cover my webcam lens with a small piece of scotch tape. However, it is quite easy to see when the camera is operational because a small light turns on as well... if you did not turn on the webcam it is a sure thing someone else has done this to your computer.
Be alert!
If your webcam light is on, there's a 99.99999999999999999% chance someone, or something is looking through it. 
This is why, when I take over someone's computer, I almost never activate the camera. It arouses too much suspicion.
If someone is able to hack into your computer then they are most likely also able to google "how to turn of led on <specific camera model>"
Hulk:
Actually, you can't really do that. Go ahead and google it. It's nigh impossible to disable the camera light.
Specific models do not have a camera LED, and that's what makes it safer/easier for creeps, but not for you..
Scandinavian:
it is true that some cameras are wired so the camera cannot be on without the led being on, but this is not all
and I am pretty sure my Lenovo laptop can capture still images without turning on the led
Hulk:
Perhaps, but the vast majority of them are wired that way, and it's a huge risk to turn on the camera without knowing the specific model. Can you record video without the light on? I'd say that's dangerous.
Scandinavian:
nope, but I think it captures still images without the light, equally invasive on privacy, e.g. a continuous flow of still images would be very much like video if in fact not 100% like video.
as far as I can tell, audio is pretty much the same thing, can be recorded without the user knowing.
anyways. if not captured directly from the computer it is still possible to intercept the traffic at other places in its way around the internet.
Hulk:
Yeah, audio is a bit different. My light doesn't come on while I'm using voice communication, but the webcam always turns on the lights. Mine also doesn't take stills without the light. Yeh, that packet information is called a man in the middle attack.
Hulk:
Interception, not information. Can't make edits on this phone...
Hulk:
Anyway, I stand by what I said. You cannot turn off most webcam lights, and that's the #1 reason people find out they're being watched. There are work arounds if you can figure out the specific model, to make sure there aren't any lights on a typical model. For example, acer laptops. However, it's tougher when the user installs a fresh operating system with a new or pirated key, because it won't show the correct vendor if you do that. I had more to say, but I forgot. I have twenty people nagging at me right now. I'll add more later
Scandinavian:
anyway packet interception is not quite as intrusive as actually turning on the camera to spy.
I wish my air-cons where online so I could hack into them prior to arriving home
Hulk:
Yeah, packet sniffing is really nothing compared to being caught naked after a shower, or during sex... 
Unless they managed to get your password to your bank account. 
I feel sorry for anyone who hacks into my computer camera, but be my guest.
Now I want to know how this is done so I may peep Jessica Alba.
bill8899:
I would sell the link to you, but I think that would be wrong. However, pictures will be available on Taobao soon! I don't think Ebay would approve.
Even if somebody is using my own web cam, what is on to spy? 'Spy on' how I'm reading news for 2 hours? 'Spy on' on my latest haircut?
What kind of 'spying' is that?
There are many other things much more interesting to snoop on, while someone is using computer.
Web cam on Mac uses bright light while in use, which is impossible to miss, if you're staring into the computer screen.
I turn mine on when I change cloths
my Moto is
give the girls have a smile and a dream and leave the Boys with shame 
I have a sticker over mine. I just don't want to give some creep the option of being able to spy on me. When i skype I take it off but most of the time I cover it.
Doesn't bother me, I use my computer while naked, I type with two hands and my cheeky one eyed monkey works the mouse.
The lights been broken in my bedroom for two years and have really thick drapes, so incidentally I don't think anyone could see me even if they wanted to!
