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The Black Hat conference (I wasn't there) had a session on "ratters" (RAT for Remote Access Trojan) who take illicit footage of users (usually female) by hijacking their systems.

The question I have is if this happens on a system or web-cam device that has an "in use" LED on it, is it possible for them to do this without turning on that LED? On my MacBook for example I would definitely notice the LED. Many USB cameras have the same thing.

AlanObject
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  • Yup, it's why I tape cardboard over my lens while not in use :P –  Aug 07 '15 at 21:01
  • Also, duplicate of http://security.stackexchange.com/questions/6758/can-webcams-be-turned-on-without-the-indicator-light ? –  Aug 07 '15 at 22:31

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Yes, it is possible to deactivate the webcam active light. Here, here, and here all show examples of security researchers doing it.

Justin Moore
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