A webcam - or simply cam - is a small digital video camera that connects to a computer to send the recordings it takes to the web. The recorded video images of a person can therefore be transmitted in real time over the Internet and used, for example, for a video chat or video telephony.
To do this, the webcam is connected to the computer via the USB port and is usually aimed at the user. In laptops, the webcam is usually already installed above the screen.
The areas of application for operating a webcam are different: they are used, for example, for chatting in web chats , for living out exhibitionistic tendencies ( voyeurism , exhibitionism ) and for purely financial interests (providing paid webcams with erotic or pornographic content). So-called webcam shows are offered and operated by various erotic portals as well as by private (hobby) actors.
Webcam spying and protection measures
Webcam spying can affect virtually anyone and we are increasingly hearing about such cases in the media. Understandably, many users are unsettled by this. Rightly so, because if you don't protect yourself, you risk an involuntary striptease online. Criminals use a Trojan to open a back door in Windows and thus tap into the camera.
Regularly updated virus protection, or better an Internet security suite, helps against Trojans. Even if attackers manage to smuggle malicious code onto the computer, the security packages can prevent the unwanted transmission of webcam images to the Internet thanks to their firewall.
The recommendation for everyone who wants to be on the safe side and can do without the webcam: simply cover the camera with black adhesive tape.
