Computer hackers are taking to a creepy new trend, gaining access to users’ webcams and spying on them, an investigation has revealed.
A virus known as Remote Administration Tools (RATs) can be used by hackers to switch on your webcam and control the machine without your knowledge.
A recent BBC probe uncovered an underground market for selling footage of people who have been filmed without their knowledge through a process known as ‘ratting’.
The report noted that hackers involved in this practise usually target young women, but also claims paedophiles have used the technique to target children.
Victims – referred to as ‘slaves’ – are tricked into installing a rogue piece of software, which is usually disguised as a link to download music, view pictures or access an article.
The BBC report quotes Rachel Hyndman, a 20-year-old student who says hackers may have watched her while she watched a DVD in the bath.
“I was sitting in the bath, trying to relax, and suddenly someone potentially has access to me in this incredibly private moment and it’s horrifying. To have it happen to you without your consent is horribly violating,” she said.
Computer security experts have offered advice on how users can protect themselves, suggesting that webcams be covered up when not in use and all PCs should be equipped with up-to-date anti-virus software.
Tony Neate, of the UK Government’s Get Safe Online campaign, said: “As more cases of ratting come to light, there is a serious need to educate the public about the methods hackers use to access the private lives of innocent people.
“The most at-risk computers are those running older software, and those without up-to-date anti-virus software installed.”
Gaining remote access to another person’s machine without their knowledge is a criminal offence in most countries.
Adam Biviano, senior security manager at antivirus software company Trend Micro, said: “This programme often arrives on a computer masquerading as something-else.
“Just like the mythological story, you open your gates up and you allow it inside your protected walls. All of a sudden, you think you’re getting one thing, but in reality you’re getting a RAT. You’re giving access to your computer to ... who knows who?”
Mr Biviano says that a lot of the hackers are statistically quite young. “I’ve been in the anti-malware industry for about 15 years, and a lot of these attacks start off with people who are quite young.
“It’s that younger element that probably doesn’t understand the legal implications of what they’re doing. They think that because it’s online, it’s simply a bit of harmless fun.
“We also see that those skills are put to far more malicious use these days, by moving on to target businesses, to target individuals by stealing their identities, even cross-border espionage using RATs.”
