Is Your Webcam Watching You?

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (WTSP) -- There was a time, not long ago, when the concept of talking to someone over video phone was the stuff of science fiction.

Now millions can talk and see their friends and relatives from just about anywhere in the world. Skype has become ubiquitous for video chats and even some live reports here at 9NEWS NOW.

The ability to keep in touch with our web cam comes with a caveat. Lurking hackers can take control of our webcam to look in.

August 1, 2008 The Gainesville Sun reported a story Gainesville man who was arrested for allegedly installing software on a woman's computer, then using the software to remotely control the camera on her computer to take videos of the woman and her friends without their knowledge.

Craig Matthew Feigin, 23, was charged with modifying computer data and disrupting or denying computer system services.

"The woman said that every time she got near the computer when it was on, a light turned on. This light, it turns out, apparently signaled that the added-on camera was on," said Gainesville Police Detective Joseph Mayo. The woman told police she also noticed that the battery life of her laptop was not nearly as long as usual.

Feigin used software to take control of her computer, but seeing through an unauthorized webcam can be as easy as Google searching.