How do you feel about this?

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So some people are under the impression its best to have it covered with something even if its inactive or its possible to be seen through it. Anyways I thought it would be easier to post a picture but how do you feel about it? Cover it up if your not using it or pointless paranoia?

It probably is a pointless paranoia. Anyways, I keep it covered with a post-it.

I don't trust the built in webcameras one bit, or should I say the possibility of someone being behind the camera spying on me. This is especially true when buying pre-built computers from various popular companies that are known to have unscrupulous business habits (not naming any names). Webcameras both internal and external are hackable. Learning how to hack someone's webcamera is not rocket science, it's very easy to do. Almost anyone could do it! There are many cases of people getting their webcams hacked for many reasons, which have bad intent. That said, I don't really have anything to hide. Sometimes I look a little tired, dirty, my hair can be a mess, and I tend to make weird faces when I fap... Who cares. I just like knowing that there is not some weirdo watching me all of the time that's all.

I consider myself fortunate in the respect that my current and previous systems never had one. That being said, if I ever do get a system that has one, I will be sure to keep it covered up. -- I have never had a use for a webcam, and don't foresee myself ever have the use for one.

It's like locking your door. There are times you may not need to - but it's a good habit to get into.

I don't think it's paranoia, just caution. It is far too easy to hack into a webcam that's connected to a computer. (Now, if the computer were disconnected from power and / or the internet, and someone still insisted the lens had to be covered, that would be paranoia. )

depends, i have seen malware use cams, i also know how to prevent it in most cases

get an action control system akin to comodo.

I read on the news earlier that a company that rented out computers was using the webcams to take pictures/videos of people in their homes. The company is being sued now but still, it's scary stuff!

I would feel the same with an inbuilt webcam or mic. Probably paranoia, but it can happen. You could always just disable it in device manager when not in use.

I have mine covered with a piece of paper I taped there, so either way I doubt anyone can see anything through it.

Well anytime you have a PC hooked up to the internet, there's a possibility of another party taking advantage of the software and/or hardware. Even with firewalls and security on your system it's still possible.

I liken it to a window that faces the street in a rough neighborhood. Many can walk by and not look, some might look in and maybe one person tries to gain access to the building through the window. The easiest access would be an open window (no internet security), closing and locking the window would block some (crappy firewall), and installing steel bars would block most (top notch internet security) BUT with the right tools and technical knowledge a person can get in to just about anything man has created.

In this day in age you can't protect yourself 100%. You can HOPE you won't get hacked or mugged. With all the identity theft and hackers stealing money via the internet, we are all vulnerable. So if you physically block your webcam from seeing you, you're the smart one. I myself don't cover up the built-in webcam because I personally don't give a crap if someone is watching. If they want to see me pick my nose, so be it lol!

its fairly easy to spot, a good 3rd party traffic analyzer will catch the stream in seconds, a media stream is fairly consistent and easy to spot.

Good question.

You could always stick a piece of chewed bubble gum over it I spose.