Technology moves fast, too fast for us to really comprehend! So when we hear about the growing number of scams, phone hacking, voice phishing, and the ways AI can impersonate us, it's not hard to believe that we can become paranoid over the thought that someone could be spying on us via our webcams too.
In fact, 35% of people cover their webcam when they're using their computer. Why are we like this? And is there some truth to needing to cover our cameras?
We chatted with Sean Lyons, the Chief Online Safety Officer from Netsafe, who believes that there is a slight bit of truth to being spied on via webcams.
"It's one of those things where you kind of never say never."
"The increasing number of scams where people are convinced that you need to get control of your computer, they log in on your behalf to 'try and fix the computer.' You know, those kinds of PC doctor scams, there's every chance at that point that somebody could be in there, switch on your camera, and just have a little watch."
Sean admits it may not be common (because of the degree of difficulty it takes to pull it off), but you can't say it's impossible. Some apps can allow the use of these techniques, such as 'find my phone' anti-theft apps.
"I've got one on my phone that someone, you know, nicked my phone and I say it'll take a snap of that person in order that I can, you know, use it for evidence."
But while some may be used for good and protective intentions, there's always the other side of the coin where spyware can be used for malicious purposes.
So should we be covering our cameras? Check out the full conversation with Netsafe's Sean Lyons for more expert answers to our puzzling questions.
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