Posted on 02/26/2019 12:57:55 AM PST by RoosterRedux
I just got up and turned on my laptop to check on the news at FR and the strangest message popped up on my computer.
It said something to the effect of:
"Your computer's internet camera as been activated for census purposes."I immediately went to Device Manager and disabled it.
That said, what the h$ll just happened here? Was someone or some agency able to access my camera remotely and without my permission?
Scary stuff.
Nobody would believe the number of cameras that are everywhere. Big Brother Lives but do not worry it’s all legal or so they tell us
You have malware.
Thx will run a scan immediately.
Who else has access to your computer?
This seems more like a prank than anything else.
I suspect you just experienced an instance of pop up scareware intended to frighten you into buying some means to mitigate what they were scaring you about. Your camera was not really turned on. If they could do that, they would show you yourself on the screen.
I’ve had pictures of ME sent to ME that were taken from my OWN webcam!!
I was looking at some porn, which yes I am ashamed of and do believe it victimizes women but I have been human and weak sometimes...and some “FBI” website came up with a picture of me in the middle saying “you have looked at illegal porn, pay 300 dollars or you will go to jail”
Because that’s what the FBI does /s
And it was WRONG to look at, but it wasn’t any illegal activity.
My screen was frozen and I had to print out 6 pages of instructions from another computer on how to unfreeze it.
If we can’t admit our transgressions every now and then, then we are not truly among friends.
Boy the internet isn’t such a great thing in a lot of ways.
But i can’t blame the internet for my weaknesses.
Curious..... what is the best virus protection software available in your opinion. I’ve not used virus protection in several years but thinking of putting some on. Any opinion ?
Not true.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/device-census-is-using-webcam/16550e99-6935-4e6b-ac57-430e768f3118
What are you going to scan with?
Device census. Next time write down the message before dismissing. Not malware other than it being Windows.
Malwarebytes (non-premium) and Kaspersky. I used to have Malwarebytes premium but had been advised that it was redundant if Kaspersky was also used.
Thanks. I found that too after googling his message.
I would not be surprised if cameras dominate and record more activities than most people know.
Microsoft Agent |
ModeratorHello Penny,
Noting the details that you have provided.
Device Census is a background process that runs to check your device and inform Microsoft which build would fit perfect for an update.
Windows 10 contains a Telemetry service that reports back to Microsoft on hardware usage/errors etc.
Device Census is part of that Telemetry Framework and the process is only gathering data on your usage of the webcam
If you want to restrict this access to your webcam, go to Settings - Privacy - Camera and uncheck the option 'Let apps use my camera hardware'.
This way, you won't have the fear that this will access your computer without you knowing.
Do get back to us should you need anything else and we will be glad to assist you further.
Best,
Anne
No one else has access to my computer.
Full scans were completed with Kaspersky and Non-Premium Malwarebytes. Nothing detected.
Free fix a five year old could do:
Opaque tape over the camera.
I’m a bit fancier; since I want to use it now and then, I have a flippy cover I worked up with tape, a 3x5 card and scissors.
Or you could just panic. Your call.
SO MUCH MORE to the point where it’s like “try really hard and you can protect yourself quite a bit from the intrusion, but don’t ever expect that you are 100 percent successful.
smart speakers, the computer, even the new TVs!!, and probably soon cars...can grab your activities and private moments.
It’s kind of spooky actually.
It’s why I think there is a possibility that Sessions was blackmailed into being so ineffective.
If you have ANY skeletons, are bad habits, they will be discovered int he information age.
Thx. I will tape it this morning.
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