Covering your webcam is pointless
Covering a webcam is a legitimate and widely recommended security practice. FBI Director James Comey publicly advocated for it in 2016, and the FBI issued a formal warning in December 2024 about HiatusRAT malware actively targeting webcams and DVRs.
What we know
Remote access trojans (RATs) are a well-documented category of malware that can silently activate a computer's camera and microphone without triggering the indicator light on many devices. Security researchers have demonstrated multiple RATs with webcam hijacking capabilities, and criminal markets have historically sold access to compromised webcam streams.
In 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey stated publicly: 'I put a piece of tape over the camera on my laptop because I saw somebody smarter than I am had a piece of tape over their camera.' This endorsement from the nation's top law enforcement official made national headlines and normalized webcam covering as a security practice. Mark Zuckerberg was also photographed with tape over his laptop camera that same year.
In December 2024, the FBI released an official advisory warning that HiatusRAT malware was actively scanning for and attacking internet-connected webcams and DVRs, particularly targeting devices with known vulnerabilities and weak passwords. The FBI specifically recommended firmware updates and considering physical camera covers. This confirms webcam covering is recommended security hygiene, not paranoia.
Common claims
- Only paranoid people cover their webcamsFalse. FBI Director Comey and numerous security professionals publicly recommend this practice.
- The webcam indicator light always shows when the camera is activeFalse. Security researchers have demonstrated that on some devices the indicator light can be bypassed by malware.
- RAT malware that hijacks cameras is theoretical, not a real threatFalse. The FBI's December 2024 HiatusRAT advisory documents active webcam-targeting malware in the wild.