You can block access to your webcam by hackers and malicious people without resorting to the annoying sticker on your laptop. Here’s the complete procedure
Nowadays, all laptops have a built-in webcam. This device has become very useful: it allows you to make international video conferences or talk in video-chat with one or more people, overcoming miles of distance. These meetings can be done totally free of charge using special software, such as Skype.
Unfortunately, however, a bit of fear has developed around the webcam in recent years. The camera is often used by hackers to spy on users. On the other hand, the newer ones remain in standby waiting for a new start, without any light signal. And this allows attackers to record what happens in front of the lens. Many people protect themselves by putting dark stickers on their webcams, thus preventing any abuse. However, there are equally safe ways to disable the laptop’s webcam.
Disable the laptop’s webcam: here’s the procedure on Windows
Do you want to disable the webcam without putting a sticker on the target and ruining your laptop? There is a safe and effective procedure to achieve the goal. You just need to proceed on the software side. In a nutshell, you can disable the webcam via the Windows Device Manager.
To start click on the Start button and then type Device Manager in the internal search. Once inside the Manage folder, you’ll find a list of all the devices on your laptop. Click on Imaging Devices. You’ll see the name of your webcam appear. For example, if you’re using a Lenovo, the device to disable will be called “Lenovo EasyCamera”. However, the names may vary depending on the model of your computer: VGA WebCam, Integrated Camer, USB Camera and so on. Right-click on this item and then select “Disable Device”. At this point, a confirmation popup window will open asking you, “If you disable this device, it will no longer work. Do you want to disable it anyway?” To make the action effective click Yes. At this point you will no longer be able to start the webcam when you want to have a video chat or video call with your laptop. Remember that you will have to enable it again to make it work. To do so, just follow the same procedure and select Enable when choosing.
Cam hacking attacks have increased in recent years. Often malicious people do not just spy on what is happening in front of the computer, but can even go as far as threats and blackmail. That’s why it is crucial to know and apply the procedure to disable laptop cam.