Looking for a notebook/netbook but have a question about webcams.

[TechnoCorruption]

I am looking to buy either a notebook or a netbook soon and after looking around at different models I have realised that 99% of them have webcams.

What I am trying to find out is just how safe webcams are? I know that there are lots of different virus' out there and I have concerns about whether someone could hack into a webcam and view it?

 

[uv]

It should be no more a concern than a hacker/virus getting your secure data, passwords, personal details and debit/credit card numbers.

As long as you're behind a router, and don't go on dodgy sites, you'll be fine. If it bothers you that much, just disable the webcam in the device manager - or even uninstall drivers for it. Or put some masking tape over it

 

[TechnoCorruption]

Or put some masking tape over it

LOL I think I will just go with disabling it in the device manager as I will never use it anyway.

I have never thought about getting a webcam and my last laptop (about 3 years ago) never had one so I guess I was just surprised to see that all laptops/netbooks come with them now.

Thanks for the help.

 

["andy"]

every netbook ive seen has hotkeys for turning off webcam. i always turn mine off because the little blue light when its on does my heeeed in