

The FBI has the capability to covertly activate a computer’s camera without triggering the indicator light, according to Marcus Thomas, the former assistant director of FBI’s Operational Technology Division. This isn’t just an obscure research subject. However, a 2013 Johns Hopkins University paper showed how it was possible to disable the indicator light of a Mac computer’s webcam, even though the camera module had a “hardware interlock”. Camfecting attacks won’t work if you are aware that the camera is turned on…Īpple asserts that the camera and its indicator light on Mac computers are wired in series, so the camera won’t work if the indicator light is turned off.

It is, therefore, SOP for hackers to disable the indicator light after gaining control of the camera. Most computers with a built-in webcam have such an indicator light.

Mac computers are not the only ones to feature an indicator light for their built-in cameras. Hackers Always Disable The Indicator Light You must physically cover your Mac computer’s camera to protect yourself. Why Apple Is Wrong, And You Need To Cover Your Mac Camera!Īpple fans may hate us for this, but they are wrong.

This prevents hackers from taking over that camera, and secretly recording you. Apple recently advised everyone not to cover the camera of their Mac laptops, and rely instead on the camera indicator light.įind out why Apple is WRONG, and why you need to physically cover your Mac computer’s camera!Ĭybersecurity specialists have long advocated covering the built-in camera of your computers, not just MacBook laptops or Mac desktops, with a camera cover of some sort.
