You probably already know that it is possible to hack the webcam of a computer: this is why most cautious and savvy users are used to covering it up or disconnecting it. But, were you aware that it is also possible to be spied on via our mobile cameras? Unfortunately, cybercriminals and malicious people are still working tirelessly to try to watch our actions.
How do they manage to monitor you through the camera of your Smartphone and what are the signals that will help you detect this intrusion? We tell you everything.
Can I be spied on via the mobile camera?
This is the burning question of all smartphone users. Since mobile phones are permanently connected to the internet, it is very common for mobile devices to be hacked in the same way as a computer. Alas yes, you can be the victim of a malicious intrusion: you can easily be spied on via the mobile camera, see through, record videos, take photos or even use the microphone without your knowledge, without you realizing it.
Is it easy to hack the camera of another Android mobile? For a person inexperienced in computer science, the matter is not simple. However, unfortunately there are malicious apps that allow anyone to hack a smartphone quite easily. That said, these apps aren’t accessible to everyone, as they’re typically sold on the dark web.
To be able to hack a mobile camera in order to spy on the mobile phone user, it is necessary to install spyware on his device. To reach the mobile, it is often in the form of a malicious application, but apparently legitimate, since it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
In theory, most of the apps that are offered for sale or offered for free in the official store are reviewed. But some can bypass the process and sneak in discreetly. They can be downloaded from an unofficial site or via a link that reaches you via SMS or instant message.
Once the spy software is installed on your mobile, it will then access the camera and microphone to record you, then send various files (videos, images or audios) to the hacker.
Some signals to know if someone is spying on your phone
The danger with this type of espionage is that malicious people are rather cunning and manage to install software that is difficult to detect. Despite the antivirus or the security system, they manage to embed and hide in your mobile. There are still some ways to try to detect them.
So how do you know if you are being monitored by the mobile camera?
Just look for one of the following signs:
- The battery drains too fast: by dint of use, you now have a fairly precise idea of the duration of charging the battery of your Smartphone. Therefore, if you notice that it begins to unload faster than usual, it is because there is eel under rock. Maybe an app is running in the background and it’s consuming your battery. To be sure, you just have to take a look at all the applications in the mobile settings. If you notice the presence of unknown software, remove it now!
- Mobile data consumption is very high: To send captured images, videos or audios to the hacker, a lot of data will be consumed, especially if the spyware is not of good quality. If you notice abnormal data usage, it is very possible that one or more spy applications have been installed on your smartphone. So you need to check which one uses the most data.
- An abnormal overheating of the Smartphone: Although you don’t use any apps or it’s not connected to the charger, is the back of your cell phone often hot? This should also put the chip in your ear. It is likely that an app is running in the background, nActivating the camera, without you being aware of it.
- Request additional permission to install an app: In general, when you install an application, you must allow access to different components of your mobile. Therefore, if you are asked to access something that does not impact its operation, you should be wary of it. For example, a word processor does not need access to the mobile camera.
In this article, we’ve focused more on devices that use the Android operating system, but our tips will also come in handy if you have an iPhone and doubt your mobile camera will be spied on. Although it is usually more difficult to hack.
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