Posted on 06/20/2013 5:13:59 AM PDT by Olog-hai
A university student has revealed how she was spied on by hackers while she was in the bath. English student Rachel Hyndman was using her laptop to watch a DVD in her bathroom when she noticed her webcam suddenly turned itself on.
Miss Hyndman, 20, from Glasgow, said: “I was in the bath, trying to relax, and then programs on my computer came on like a ghost was using it. I couldn’t regain control of it. It was terrifying to think people had been looking at me without me knowing. I wondered how often they had done it without me realizing. The thought someone had access to me in this private moment is horrifying.” …
Called “ratting”, hackers can send out an internet virus that allows them access to a person’s desktop computer or laptop without their knowledge. They can then switch on the webcam—built in to most new computers—and watch people in the privacy of their living rooms and bedrooms without them realizing they are being closely observed. …
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
What are the odds the camera would be pointing to her in the bathroom?
I’m skeptical.
“I have tape over the camera eye”
Ditto.
In newer devices how do you tape over the camera embedded into the screen? If you don’t think they are there you are misguided.
How does she know it was not an authorized read goverment hacker. As much as is going on right now I would not doubt it.
I am an IT guy and don’t know the answer to this. Can the camera be turned on without the indicator light being turned on?
A sneaky system guy or spy might short out or cover the indicator light. I don’t know how many people would catch on that the light isn’t working. Maybe, it is a good idea not to take your laptops to the Geek Squad and other people, and to also test your camera and indicator every once in a while.
I have always wondered when DISH network or Time Warner need in the house if they are replacing equipment with smart equipment or looking for guns.................
I read my Kindle when I’m in the tub.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We know.
Some people are just too stupid to own a computer.
Sharyl Attkisson was writing Fast and Furious stories in her bathtub?
It happened to me. Some guy not only watched my family and I but also was able to listen to us and he repeated some of our conversations.
Ever since then, I’ve taped the camera up. I just wish there was a way to trace back that creep who did that.
same here,, for 2-years now,,nobody needs to see my ugly mug.
I have a friend who caught her youngest son in the shower with his iPhone in a zip lock baggy texting his friends...
Electricity + Water = Ice
Where is the indicator light, and how does one know if it is on--Is it bright, what color does it show?
A sneaky system guy or spy might short out or cover the indicator light. I don’t know how many people would catch on that the light isn’t working. Maybe, it is a good idea not to take your laptops to the Geek Squad and other people, and to also test your camera and indicator every once in a while.
How does one test his/her camera and indicator?
Thanks in advance for the information. It will be very helpful to us non-techies out here.
< I read my Kindle when I’m in the tub. >
Related to your comment (but not you personally), many people do other private, ‘intimate’ things while viewing porn on their computer, smart phone, etc. Other people have sordid affairs. And still others participate in various paraphilias with consenting adults, something that would mortify them if it landed on YouTube.
Now, imagine our illustrious NSA or a foreign state capturing the video, complete with sound effects. If you’re an ordinary citizen, no big deal, unless you plan on running for a political office one day.
Now suppose you’re a politician, judge, law enforcement officer in a high position, CEO of a large company, defense contractor, military general, potential political opponent, press reporter, blog owner with wide readership, etc. This entire national conversation will hopefully redefine the word “paranoid.”
You must either take out the batteries or use duct tape or other non-transparent tape over cameras and mics on all devices that are applicable.... TVs, phones, computers, cameras, handheld digital recorders, gaming equipment, etc. Don’t forget the karoeke (sp?) machine. ;-) I have no suggestions for baby monitors and security webcams; perhaps someone else does.
Someone remind me again how the NSA snooping and AP wiretap stories broke, again? Because I’ve suspected all along that a motive was to inform and intimidate. At the very least, all this talk about capabilies of eavesdropping, combined with rigorous fed prosecution of govt whistleblowers, has had a chilling effect and will affect what we know about our Dear Leader now and in the years to come.
< In newer devices how do you tape over the camera embedded into the screen? If you don’t think they are there you are misguided. >
I see a market need for a one-way mirror device or film that fits over a TV or computer screen. Something that would confine the hacker in his own little “cyber-interrogation room.’ ;-)
It depends on hardware. Some don’t have indicator lights. My wife’s, my son’s and my laptops have them.
The camera on my laptop is at the top center of the screen. The indicator light is about a half inch to the right. I think it is green. It is a green LED.
NSA? Is that you?!
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