Is My Mac Camera Hacked?

Computer users have been becoming warier and warier of the cyber threats and privacy issues they may encounter on the Internet. One of the most invasive things regarding one's privacy online might be their computer or laptop's camera – especially if it is an integrated one. Typically, MacBooks and iMacs come with an embedded camera, which cannot be unplugged or disabled via hardware. While it is possible to turn it off through Mac's options, some users are paranoid that it might still be used by evil-minded hackers. This is why they resort to alternative solutions – such as purchasing a camera sliding cover or simply sticking a piece of tape onto it.

Why Would Someone Want to Hack Your Camera?

If you check your old email's spam section, you may notice a wide range of spam emails – promising your millions of dollars, or telling you that your account has been compromised, etc. Recently, these scammers have taken it to the next level – they tell users that they are in possession of nude videos and photos captured through their camera, and they will publish them online if a ransom fee is not paid. Thankfully, these emails are one big bluff, and you can rest assured that your camera has not been hacked – the scammers are simply relying on the lie to scare users into paying a fee.

While it is possible for someone to access your camera, this is less likely to happen on a Mac – Apple's computer operating system is very robust in terms of security, and the number of high-profile Mac malware is very small.

Who Has Access to your Camera?

If you are worried that an unknown app might be accessing your camera, then there is an easy way to ch2eck whether this is happening. Open Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Privacy. Select the Camera menu, and then see which apps have been granted access to your camera – remove the ones that you do not wish to be able to access this piece of hardware.

How to Protect Yourself?

As we mentioned in the first paragraph, physically covering your camera is one option – either via tape, or by using a specialized camera slider. Of course, you can also take additional measures that are much better – install a reputable Mac security tool to ward off malicious files and applications. This way, you will not only prevent your Mac camera from being hacked, but you will also protect your data, credentials, files, and computer.

June 18, 2021
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