Friday, January 25, 2013

Email virus targeting Computer Cameras and mikes

There is a new threat to you and your family's privacy through your laptop of desktop computer if it has a built in camera. If you are not using your built in camera (usually at the top center of your screen) experts say put a little piece of black or other colored tape over it to protect your family and you. There is a virus that is in an email that will be from someone you don't know. So don't open any emails from people you don't recognize. What this virus does is turn on your camera and mike on your laptop or desktop computer so they can listen and watch whatever is happening in your room where that is. Even if your computer is asleep so the screen is dark they can still do this. So, if you have a laptop close it when you aren't using it, or put tape over the camera (I don't think they have a fix for the mike so likely they will still hear whatever you say. (But at least they won't see you naked) But they still might  hear private conversations that they could find a way to blackmail you with for money or to break into your house and steal whatever they see through the camera on your computer.)
So, if you leave your computer on all the time with the camera right there you might want to tape it up when not using it as a precaution or just turn off your computer whenever you aren't using it to prevent this.

This was reported on NBC News Last night on TV.

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