As with most smartphones, i-phones, laptops and apps such as Facebook, Facetime and Snapchat requiring access to a built-in camera, webcam or microphone. Rumours are that hackers and well known companies have been spying on us in our own homes through these devices? Is this the case or are we just being paranoid?

The answer is, it can and does happen. That being said, do hackers really want to spy on the average person at home drinking tea? Probably not, hackers have a purpose, a target, usually large corporations who have extensive databases or information which if hacked, will cause large scale panic and disruption. Hackers commonly use malware or remote administration techniques (RATs) enabling them to effectively take control of our devices, listen in on our conversations or watch us through webcams. Users who download files can be exposed to RATs, such as the Trojan (most commonly used) malware virus, allowing the hacker to take control of your device, without you being aware. This does not mean that as an individual you are exempt from hackers. It was recently discovered that 1,295 webcams in 103 countries were hacked by a notorious network called GhostNet. So if you own a device that has a built in webcam or microphone, you are at risk, therefore prevention is better than cure. After all it’s not just the criminals watching us!

Government agencies have been known to access devices, phones and apps to gain intelligence and have been used b the police to help solve criminal cases. All our devices have the ability to trace our movements, store our messages, so are already monitoring us. Phone providers are legally required to store data for a certain amount of time, sometimes for up to two years. If you allow apps to access your camera or location, then you are enabling these apps to trace you and to follow your habits. It has been said that Facebook uses your microphone to record conversations, which allows targeted advertising. Facebook claims it only accesses your microphone if you have given the app permission and if you are actively using a specific feature that requires audio, this might include recording a video or using an optional feature which was introduced two years ago to include music or other audio in your status updates. There is the option to opt out of this in the app permissions section if you don’t feel comfortable with this.

We spend on average two hours a day on our devices, we shop on our phones, put our credit card details into apps. Gaming devices such as Xbox, now ask for payment details in order to purchase games online through Windows. Xbox Live requires the access of a microphone so players can speak to each other online and most, if not all, devices including TVs, have access to a camera. On the release of the Samsung smart television, the company warned customers not to discuss sensitive information in front of it. The policy advised customers to be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information it will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party through your use of voice recognition.

As individuals, must start to take precautions when freely giving out information, protect ourselves. There are some simple steps to protect yourself against prying eyes.

Do and Don’ts

Do

• Do use a firewall. Firewalls provide a measure of protection against unwanted traffic. Check your Firewall settings.
• Take precautions when freely giving out information.
• Cover up your webcam lens on your laptop when not in use.
• Install current and valid anti-virus software on all your devices ensure it offers malware and spyware protection.
• Keep all passwords safe, never allow your device to remember your passwords. Never tell anyone else your passwords.
• Research your privacy settings, most apps will have privacy settings which you can switch off, so always check this, especially when an app is updated, this can reset your security settings.

Don’t

• Follow links in suspicious emails, attachments or advertisements.
• Turn off your laptops and webcams when not in use. Take responsibility, don’t put or record anything you don’t want the rest of the world to see on your device, be sensible.
• Stranger danger. Don’t talk to people you don’t know, and advise your kids to do the same.

9/11/2017 – Heidi Bryant