Hacked IP Camera: How to Check and Protect Yourself

IP cameras and webcams have gone from being a simple accessory to becoming a a key element of our security and our digital lifeThey're in the living room, the front door, the office, watching the baby, or pointing at the business entrance. That's precisely why, when someone manages to access them without permission, the problem ceases to be "technical" and becomes something very personal.

What's unsettling is that many victims don't even suspect their camera has been compromised. Cybercriminals are adept at hiding and exploit any lapse in security: weak passwords, outdated firmware, poorly secured Wi-Fi networks, or a simple click on a malicious link. In this guide, you'll see How to tell if your IP camera or webcam has been hacked, how to check it step by step, and what measures to take to prevent anyone from spying on you through it.

Main signs that your IP camera or webcam may have been hacked

Before getting into advanced diagnoses, it's helpful to know the Most common symptoms that reveal a hacked IP camera or a remotely controlled webcamYou won't always see them all at once; sometimes a combination of two or three is enough to set off alarms.

• The LED light turns on or flashes when it shouldn't. If that light turns on, flashes, or stays on when you're not using any video app (no video calls, no recording, no remote monitoring), then something strange is happening.
• The IP camera moves on its own or changes angle. If you suddenly see that the camera is rotating, pointing at another room, or following a strange pattern without anyone authorized to be monitoring it, it's advisable to be on your guard.
• Strange noises, voices, or commands coming from the speaker or microphone. You hear unfamiliar voices, noises, beeps, or even someone speaking through the speaker when it's not you or anyone around you… A clear symptom of unauthorized remote access.
• Unusual changes in settings or loss of access. Another classic warning sign is noticing modified settings without your knowledge: changed passwords, different device name, altered remote access rules, open ports that weren't there before, recording suddenly disabled, etc.
• Suspicious increase in data trafficWhen a camera continuously transmits video and audio to an attacker's server, it will be noticeable on the network. If your connection is slower than usual, or if you check your router and see that the camera or the device it's connected to is generating more traffic than normal, it may be sending data to a destination you don't control.
• Video files or photos that you did not record. On computers with webcams, many operating systems create a default folder to save captured images and videos. If you check it one day and find recordings you don't remember making, with times when you weren't at your computer or even at home, you should be suspicious.
• Errors when trying to use the camera: “it is already in use”. On Windows and other systems, you may see an error message indicating that your camera is being used by another application when you try to start a video call or open the camera app. Sometimes it will be a harmless background process; other times, an application that shouldn't have access.
• Other devices on the network are behaving strangelyIP cameras are part of the popular Internet of Things: they're connected to the same network as computers, mobile phones, smart TVs, and even watches and household appliances. When an attacker breaches this network, they often don't stop at just the camera; they can move laterally and compromise other devices.

How to check in more detail if your IP camera or webcam has been hacked

The signs above are a good warning, but if you want to go a little further and to check more precisely if your camera has been compromisedYou can perform various technical and configuration checks that don't require you to be an expert.

Check which apps and extensions are using the camera.

On Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, the privacy sections allow you to view Which apps have permission to access the camera and microphone?It's a good idea to go into those settings and disable any applications you don't recognize or that don't necessarily need to use the webcam; on mobile devices, also consider apps to block trackers in real time.

• In Windows 10/11: Settings > Privacy and security > Camera (and also Microphone) to review the list of desktop and Microsoft Store apps with permissions.
• On macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera, where you can see which programs have access.
• On mobile devices: Settings > Privacy or App permissions, depending on the system.

In addition, it is advisable check browser extensionsSome apps request camera access for specific functions, but others may abuse this permission or even be malicious. Disable them all, open your browser, and enable them one by one until you find the one that causes the LED to light up or throws errors.

Check active processes and resource usage

Windows Task Manager, macOS Activity Monitor, or other similar tools allow See what processes are running and what resources they are consuming.If you suspect a camera-related infection, it's helpful to look at:

• Unknown processes that constantly consume CPU or network resources.
• Multiple instances of system processes that should normally have only one input.
• Programs you don't remember installing but appear to be active.

If something doesn't add up, you can end those tasks (being careful not to close critical system processes) and Perform a full scan with an updated antivirus, preferably in safe mode.so that the malware has less ability to hide.

Review of IP camera settings and history

Most IP cameras have an administration panel accessible via a web browser or the official app. It's essential to log in periodically to... Check the current configuration, firmware version, and access or event history.

Aspects to examine closely:

• Username and password: if they remain the factory defaults, the camera is easy prey for automated attacks.
• Remote access rules: open ports, forwarding on the router, active P2P services, etc.
• Registered users: Check if there are accounts you don't recognize or profiles with excessive permissions.
• Login history or connected devices: many apps show which mobiles, IPs or locations have been accessed from.

If you see logins at impossible hours, from unknown regions, or with devices that are not yoursThe most prudent thing to do is to immediately change your passwords, close all open sessions, and disable access you don't use.

Control traffic from the router

Home and business routers increasingly include advanced features for monitor local network trafficFrom its internal panel you can identify which devices consume the most data, at what times and to what destinations.

If you detect that your IP camera or other device with an integrated webcam is generating a data upload volume much higher than normalEspecially at times when you're not watching or recording anything, you should suspect a possible unauthorized transmission of video or audio to external servers.

Use of security tools and leak detection

Some antivirus and security service providers offer tools for Check if your emails and passwords have appeared in data breachesIf your credentials have been exposed on any camera-related service (app, cloud, manufacturer's account), it's easier for someone to have reused them to gain access.

On the other hand, modern antivirus programs include specific modules for block unauthorized access to webcam and microphoneEnabling these features can help you detect and stop programs that try to record without permission.

How to protect an IP camera or webcam from hackers

Identifying the problem is only half the job. The other half is Secure your IP camera or webcam to the maximum to minimize the risk of hackingThere is no such thing as 100% security, but it is possible to make things very difficult for attackers.

Change default credentials and use strong passwords

The first thing, almost textbook-like, is Immediately remove the factory username and password from the camera, NVR, and routerThese keys are found in the manual, on the device's label, and are even compiled in public lists. Anyone performing an automated internet scan can test them en masse.

Use long passwords, mixing them up uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbolsAvoid using birthdates, pet names, license plate numbers, or easy combinations. Ideally, use a password manager to avoid reusing the same password everywhere. And it's always a good idea to change your passwords once or twice a year.

Isolate the cameras on a separate network

A good practice is separate the cameras from the rest of the devicesFor example, you can create a guest Wi-Fi network just for video surveillance or segment the network using VLANs if your router allows it. If you're unsure about coverage, you can first... map your house and detect dead zones to better locate access points. That way, if someone gets into the camera, they won't have a direct path to your computers or servers.

It is also advisable to avoid it as much as possible. manually open ports on the router To access it from outside. If you need to view your camera from your mobile device, it's best to use secure remote access services, a VPN to your home, or the manufacturer's official app that establishes encrypted connections, rather than exposing the administration interface directly on the internet.

Activate extra security and control which users have access

More and more IP cameras and cloud services include two-step verification (2FA) and login alertsActivate them whenever you can: it's a huge leap in security, because even if someone steals your password, they will still need you to log in.

Instead of sharing a single administrator user with the entire family or team, it is preferable create separate accounts with limited permissionsIt grants read-only access to those who only need to view the camera and reserves administrative privileges for one or two people. And, of course, it ruthlessly deletes users who are no longer in use.

Protect the physical environment and the router

Sometimes we get obsessed with the digital side and forget the basics: that no one can Disconnect, tamper with, or physically reset the camera, recorder, or routerKeep that equipment in hard-to-reach or locked areas, especially in businesses.

Changing the Wi-Fi network name so as not to reveal the router model or the operatorDisable WPS, always use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and disable features you don't use. Spending a few minutes each month reviewing the devices connected to your router and the access logs can save you a lot of trouble.

Keep firmware, system, and applications up to date

From time to time, manufacturers publish Firmware updates for your cameras, routers, and recordersMany of these updates focus on patching security vulnerabilities. The same applies to Windows, macOS, Android, and their associated apps.

It is essential to occasionally access the camera or NVR control panel and search for new firmware versionsInstalling these patches greatly reduces the possibility of an attacker exploiting known vulnerabilities. If your device hasn't received updates in years, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, more secure model.

Cover the webcam and limit permissions when you're not using it

In the case of laptop or desktop computer webcams, the simplest measure is still to physically cover them when you don't need them. A sliding lid, an opaque sticker, or even a piece of electrical tape They are a physical barrier that works even if the software fails.

In systems like Windows 10/11, you can also go to the Privacy > Camera section and completely disable camera access for all appsIt's an interesting option for laptops that almost never use the webcam.

Avoid suspicious links and downloads

Most camera hacks are carried out in a big way: Malware that sneaks in by clicking on a strange link, opening a suspicious email attachment, or downloading pirated softwareThis malware may include remote access trojans (RATs) capable of turning on the webcam without lighting the LED, modifying drivers, or recording everything you do.

The best defense here is a mix of common sense and security toolsBe wary of alarmist emails urging immediate action, don't open unexpected attachments, carefully check URLs before clicking, and consider using extensions that filter out spam. Slope EvaderKeep a good antivirus or security suite active that blocks malicious links.

Use VPN on public networks

If you frequently connect to Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or shopping centers, it's a good idea to add an extra layer of protection. Using a VPN encrypts all your traffic and hides your real IP address.This makes it much harder for someone on the same network to intercept your communications or break into your devices while you're browsing.

Hacked IP Camera: What to Do

When there is no longer any doubt and everything points to them having taken control of your camera, the most important thing is act quickly to cut off access and clean up the areaIt's no use continuing to use the camera as if nothing has happened, because your privacy has already been compromised.

Step 1: Disconnect from the network and turn off the camera

The first is disconnect the camera from the internetRemove the network cable, turn off Wi-Fi, or unplug the device if necessary. If it's an external USB webcam, physically disconnect it from the computer. The goal is to prevent the attacker from continuing to receive video and audio or maintaining an open backdoor.

Step 2: Change all related passwords

Next, it's time to renew your credentials. Change the password for the camera, the NVR, the router, and any associated cloud accountDo it from a device you consider clean (for example, a recently scanned laptop or a mobile phone where you haven't noticed anything unusual).

Take this opportunity to activate, if available, two-factor authentication on all those accounts. This way, even if the attacker retains old passwords, it will be much more difficult for them to regain access.

Step 3: Update firmware and review configuration from scratch

With the camera isolated, log into your administration panel and search for the latest firmware versionInstall it following the manufacturer's instructions. Then, carefully review all the settings: users, permissions, remote access, ports, firewall rules, etc.

If you suspect that the attacker may have modified internal settings, it may be advisable to reset the camera to factory settings and set it up from scratch, this time following all the previous security advice.

Step 4: Scan all devices for malware

An attack on the camera can be the tip of the iceberg of a wider infection. That's why it's important. Scan your computer, mobile phone, and any other device with updated antivirus and antimalware software. that you use to access the camera.

If possible, boot your system in safe mode before scanning to reduce malware activity. And if, after several scans, strange behavior persists, it might be time to consider a... clean reinstallation of the operating system in the most affected team.

Step 5: Strengthen Wi-Fi network security

Don't forget the network that connects everything. Change your Wi-Fi password and make sure you're using WPA2 or WPA3 encryptionDisable WPS and check which devices are connected. Remove any unknown devices and, if your router allows it, enable additional security features (parental controls, MAC filtering, port blocking, etc.).

Step 6: Consider changing your device and seeking professional help

If the camera is very old, doesn't receive updates, or has already been compromised several times, it may be time to invest in a more modern device with better security features (encryption, 2FA, physical privacy modes, etc.).

In business environments or when the attack could have legal or blackmail consequences, it is highly recommended to contact cybersecurity specialistsboth to investigate what happened and to reinforce the entire IT infrastructure.

Feeling secure with our IP cameras and webcams doesn't mean living in paranoia, but rather accepting that they are an attractive target and taking reasonable precautions: paying attention to lights that turn on for no reason, strange movements, unexpected files or unusual data usage, occasionally reviewing permissions and settings, keeping everything updated, and do not give away access with weak passwords or impulsive clicks. With these guidelines, it's much more likely that you'll be the one controlling the camera… and not someone on the other side of the world watching your living room without your knowledge.