Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?

Transcription

Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Campatch Academy
Is Someone Watching
You Through Your Webcam?
A study on the awareness and
concern of webcam hacking
Ruby A. Rouse, Ph.D.
May 2012
Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Executive Summary
Problem
• Cyber-security experts report it is possible for an unauthorized person to activate a laptop’s web
camera remotely – allowing a hacker to watch and record activities without the user’s consent.
• Hundreds of websites, free spying software, and how-to-guides teach would-be hackers how to
hijack web cameras.
Purpose
• Measure to what extent people are aware that their webcam can be hacked
• Determine to what extent people are at risk of web camera hacking
• Explore how people would feel if their web camera was ‘hijacked’
Method
• Online survey of 250 laptop users
Results
• 51% of laptop users were unaware of the risk of webcam hacking
• All demographic groups were at risk of web camera hacking
• 82% of laptop users expressed concern about webcam hacking
• Laptops are frequently used in private environments
o 62% study participants said they use their laptops in the living room
o 44% used laptops in the bedroom
o 39% in the kitchen
o 8% in the bathroom
• 92% of open-ended comments by laptop users expressed negative emotions about web camera hacking (i.e., I would feel violated, helpless, embarrassed, scared, “creeped out,”
and/or “mad as hell!”)
Recommendations
• Get covered – Physically cover the lens of the web camera when it is not in use
• Keep informed – Remain aware of webcam hacking risks
• Stay alert – Monitor the web camera’s light and maintain strong virus protection software
• Close your Laptop - Close your laptop when you’re not using
Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
A study on the awareness and concern of webcam hacking
No longer limited to Hollywood movies about cybercrime, web camera hacking has stealthily – and aggressively – broken
into average American households. Similar to the legendary Trojan horse used by Greek soldiers to enter Troy, the glamour of
today’s laptops often lulls consumers into a false sense of security. Unaware of the risks, computer users often drop their guard
– allowing hackers to enter their homes undetected.
An estimated 170 million people use laptop computers worldwide (eTForecasts, 2010). The vast majority of these machines
have built-in webcam technology (Boatman, 2007) that allows users to experience and record real-time interaction. While web
camera technology is popular with social media and Skype users, many consumers have no idea that webcam hacking is both
widespread and simple (Kumar, 2009). Inputting the phrase “how to hack a webcam” into any search engine easily accesses a
variety of instructional websites, videos, and how-to-guides that empower hackers with the ability to secretly enter people’s
homes.
PROBLEM
Naïve about privacy risks, unsuspecting laptop users are easy prey for webcam hackers. Consider some recent cases:
•
A Rutgers’ student committed suicide after his roommate used a webcam to record the student kissing another man
(Mulvihill, 2012; Pitts, 2010).
•
A Philadelphia school district settled a lawsuit for $610,000 after students learned the district could spy on them by
remotely activating web cameras in school-issued laptops (Mah, 2011a, 2011b; Martin, 2010).
•
A Wyoming couple discovered a rental company that sold them a laptop used the machine’s web camera to
take pictures for use in the company’s bill collection process (Jamieson & Robinson, 2011; Shamlian, 2012).
Unfortunately, such incidents are not isolated. In 2010, one “cyber-peeper” was jailed for 18 months after being found guilty
of hacking into and turning on thousands of web cameras belonging to individuals and businesses. According to prosecutors, the hacker distributed “cleverly-disguised e-mails, measured by the millions, if not tens of millions, bearing sophisticated viruses” (Wonzy, 2010, para. 8).
Parham Eftekhari, President and Founder of CamPatch, a company that manufactures webcam covers, explained
that a skilled webcam hacker can access someone’s laptop
in a minute or less. After gaining control of a machine’s web
camera, cybercriminals have the ability to “remotely access,
intercept and monitor customers’ private, personal electronic
communications, information, screen shots, keystrokes or images captured on webcams” (Jamieson & Robinson, 2011,
p. 1).
“While web camera technology is
popular with social media and Skype
users, many consumers have no idea that
webcam hacking is both widespread and
simple (Kumar, 2009).”
Eftekhari, who has over 10 years of experience in IT and
telecommunications, explained that three particular laptop
behaviors increase the risk of webcam hacking:
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
•
Frequency of use – The risk of hacking is higher when a laptop is on. Turning the machine off after use significantly
reduces the risk a web camera will be ‘hijacked.’
•
Lack of virus protection – Since most hackers use a virus or Trojan to gain access to a webcam (Boatman, 2007;
F-Secure, 2010), the absence of reliable virus protection increases the risk of web camera hacking. While installing and
maintaining strong virus protection software substantially decreases the risk of hacking, laptop users should remember
that such approaches do not eliminate all risks.
•
Failure to close the laptop – When a laptop is left open, hackers can easily observe and record activities occurring
around the machine. Shutting a laptop physically prevents hackers from cyber-peeping even if the webcam has been
hacked.
PURPOSE
This study investigated consumers’ attitudes about web camera hacking. In particular, the study:
•
Measured to what extent laptop users are aware that webcams can be hacked
•
Determined to what extent people are at risk of web camera hacking
•
Explored how laptop users would feel if their web camera was ‘hijacked’
METHODOLOGY
Laptop users were invited to participate in an online survey about web cameras. Invitations were distributed via social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) and participants were encouraged to share a URL to the survey with other laptop users.
RESULTS
Sample
After two weeks of data collection in March 2012, 250 laptop users
responded to the survey. Equal percentages of men and women participated. The average age was 43.6 with a standard deviation of
13.9. About 37% (n = 93) of the sample was represented by members
of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1981), 36% (n = 89) were
Baby Boomers (1946-1964), 21% (n = 53) represented Generation Y
(1982 to 1993), and only one person was from Generation Z. About 3
out of 4 participants said they did not have children under 18 living in
their households.
Participants’ occupations varied. About 2 out of 3 survey takers
reported working for private businesses, with 23% employed with
educational institutions. Approximately 10% said they work for the
government; and 2% represented other occupations. Assuming a
population of 170 million laptop users (eTForecasts, 2010), a sample
size of 250, and a 95% confidence level, there was a 6.2 margin of error.
51% Aware
49% Unaware
Figure 1. Study participants’ awareness of
web camera hacking.
Webcam Hacking Awareness
As shown in Figure 1, 51% of survey participants (n = 117) reported being unaware that it is possible for an unauthorized
person to activate a laptop’s web camera to observe and record a person’s activities.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Awareness by Gender
Women were significantly more unaware of webcam hacking than men. Approximately 61% of women (n = 72), compared
to 40% of men (n = 45), did not know about the risk of web camera hacking (see Figure 2).
Male
Aware
60%
Female
Unaware
40%
Unaware
61%
Aware
39%
Figure 2. Comparison of men and women’s awareness
of web camera hacking.
Awareness by Generation
Generation Y laptop users were the least informed about the risk – with almost 6 of 10 saying they were not aware of webcam hacking. Baby Boomers were similarly unaware, with 55% indicating they had no prior knowledge of such activities. In
contrast, less than half (45%) of Generation X participants reported being unaware of webcam hacking risks (see Figure 3).
Generation X (n=83)
Aware
45%
Unaware
55%
Baby Boomers (n=84)
Unaware
45%
Aware
55%
Generation Y (n=51)
Aware
43%
Figure 3. Awareness of web camera hacking by generation.
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Unaware
57%
Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Awareness by Occupation
About 6 in 10 study participants who worked in the field of education (n = 52) were unaware of webcam hacking (see Figure
4). Nearly half (n = 52, 52%) of individuals who worked in non-government occupations were similarly unaware. In contrast,
only about 3 in 10 government workers and 2 in 10 employees from other occupations were unaware of webcam hacking.
70%
60%
60%
52%
50%
Percentage
40%
29%
30%
17%
20%
10%
0%
Education
Non-Government
Government
Other
Unawareness of Webcam Hacking
Figure 4. Percentage of unawareness of web camera hacking by occupation.
Awareness by Frequency of Laptop Use
As shown in Figure 5, regardless of the frequency of their laptop use, study participants tended to be equally unaware of
web camera hacking risks. Daily laptop users had the lowest level of unawareness, with about half (49%) indicating they were
unaware. Low (51%) and medium frequency (57%) laptop users were similarly unaware. 70%
57%
60%
51%
49%
50%
Percentage
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Low (n=86)
Medium (n=21)
High (n=124)
Unawareness of Webcam Hacking
Figure 5. Percentage of participant unawareness of webcam hacking by
frequency of laptop use.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Webcam Hacking Risk
An overall webcam risk score was computed for laptop users based on their participation in three high-risk laptop behaviors:
•
Frequency of use (1 = low, 2 = medium, 3 = high)
•
Lack of virus protection (1 = virus protection, 2 = no virus protection)
•
Failure to close the laptop (1 = close every time, 2 = close when done for the day, 3 = always leave open)
Risk scores ranged from 3 (little to no risk) to 8 (high risk). The entire sample had an average webcam hacking risk score of
5.25 with a standard deviation of 1.31. Regardless of laptop users’ gender, generation, occupation, awareness, or concern, all
laptop users in the study had statistically similar risks of webcam hacking.
However, other comparative trends emerged. As indicated in Figures 6 and 7, survey participants who were aware of
webcam hacking reported participating in behaviors that placed them at slightly higher risk. Likewise, laptop users who
reported higher levels of concern were at more risk than individuals expressing less concern. Men, Generation X, and
participants working in the field of education most frequently took part in behaviors that placed them at risk of webcam
hacking.
AWARENESS
Aware
5.32
Unaware
5.21
3
4
5
6
7
8
6
7
8
CONCERN
Concern
5.34
No
Concern
4.86
3
4
5
Figure 6. Risk of webcam hacking by awareness and concern.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
GENDER
Male
5.26
Female
5.24
3
4
5
6
7
8
6
7
8
6
7
8
GENERATION
5.38
Gen X
Gen Y
5.24
Baby
Boomers
5.19
Gen Z
5.00
Silent
4.90
3
4
5
OCCUPATION
5.35
Education
Government
5.24
NonGovernment
5.24
Other
4.67
3
4
5
Figure 7. Risk of webcam hacking by gender, generation, and occupation.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Webcam Hacking Reactions
Before sharing their reactions to webcam hacking, study participants listed locations where they use laptops. As shown in
Figure 8, the most frequently mentioned places were the living room (n = 154, 62%) or home office (n = 145, 58%). Other locations included the bedroom (n = 110, 44%), public places (i.e., airports, internet cafes; n = 98, 39%), work office (n = 87,
35%), kitchen (n = 83, 33%), outdoors (n = 49, 20%), car (n = 27, 11%), bathroom (n = 19, 8%), and/or garage (n = 3, 1%).
LOCATIONS
62%
Living Room
58%
Home office
44%
Bedroom
39%
Public places
Dining Room
38%
Work Office
35%
Kitchen
33%
Outdoors
20%
Car
11%
Bathroom
8%
Garage
1%
0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Figure 8. Locations where study participants reported using their laptops.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Laptop User Concern
About 8 out of 10 laptop users expressed concern about the risk of webcam hacking (see Figure 9).
No Concern
18%
Concern
82%
Concern
82%
Figure 9. Study participants’ concern about web camera hacking.
Concern was higher for individuals who were unaware of webcam hacking. As shown in Figure 10, 79% of people who knew
about web camera hacking before the survey expressed concern. In contrast, 84% of individuals who were informed about the
risk during the survey shared similar concerns.
UNAWARE
AWARE
No Concern
16%
No Concern
21%
Concern
79%
Concern
84%
Figure 10. Comparison of study participants’ concern by awareness of web camera hacking.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Women (86%) expressed significantly more concern than men (77%); and older laptop users were more concerned than
younger users. Approximately 82% of participants from the Silent generation (n = 11) indicated they were concerned; while
87% of Baby Boomer (n = 84), 83% of Generation X (n = 81) and 72% of Generation Y (n = 50) participants expressing similar
concerns.
Laptop User Feelings
Study participants also described, in their own words, how they would feel if their web camera was hijacked. The study’s
250 laptop users shared 299 open-ended comments. As shown in the text cloud in Figure 11, most of these comments (92%)
expressed negative emotions. Many laptop users said they would feel violated, helpless, embarrassed, scared, “creeped out,”
and/or “mad as hell!”
In contrast, 3% of remarks expressed positive feelings about webcam hacking. Most of the study participants who shared
favorable comments said they would feel entertained or flattered if someone hacked their web camera. One participant joked,
“I would feel like dancing . . . naked!” Another remarked, “I would laugh because [watching me] would be a snoozefest!” Interestingly, all but one of the favorable remarks were expressed by men. Other comments were either neutral in nature (“Not surprised” or “I wouldn’t care”) or included remarks unrelated to feelings about webcam hacking.
Figure 11. Text cloud of laptop users’ feelings about webcam hacking.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
DISCUSSION
The rapid growth of laptop computers with built-in web cameras substantially increases the risk of webcam
hacking, privacy invasion, and other types of cybercrime (e.g., bullying, hate crimes, stalking, etc.). Several high-profile
media reports about recent webcam hacking have focused attention on the increase in cyber-related privacy invasion. Analysis of demographic, situational, and behavioral trends suggests multiple approaches may be necessary to deal with the
problem of webcam hijacking. Demographic Analysis
Although every demographic group examined in the study displayed statistically similar risks of webcam hacking, men and
Gen Xers (ages 31 to 47) reported slightly more risky laptop behaviors (see Figure 6). This trend emerged despite the fact that
both men and Gen Xers were more aware of web camera hacking than women, Baby Boomers, or members of Generation Y
(see Figures 2 and 3). Interestingly, male laptop users were significantly more likely than women to describe favorable feelings
about webcam hacking – suggesting online privacy may be less important to men.
When compared to government and business workers, individuals employed in education displayed slightly riskier laptop
behavior (see Figure 6). However, unlike men and Gen Xers
who tended to be aware of webcam hijacking, 6 out of 10
Webcams provide creative hackers
laptop users who work in academia said they were
unaware of web camera hacking (see Figure 6). This trend
with limitless access to potentially
is unfortunate since teachers who are unaware of webcam
embarrassing information that could be
risks may inadvertently model risky behaviors to high school
and college students (two large groups of laptop users). If, on
used to bully or blackmail laptop owners.
the other hand, teachers were more aware of privacy issues
Beyond peeping, the technology also
surrounding the use of web cameras, educators could help
socialize a large number of laptop users about ways to reduce
provides opportunities for cyber-stalking,
web camera hacking. hate crimes, and identity theft.
Situational Analysis
When laptops were first introduced, they typically required a wired internet connection and had limited functionality (e.g.,
word processing, email, website browsing). Tethered to an Ethernet cable, such machines tended to be used primarily in home
or business offices. In contrast, today’s laptops use wireless connections and offer robust functionality (e.g., social media, music,
video, Skype, etc.). Not surprisingly, laptops have migrated to a variety of private locations, such as living rooms, bedrooms,
kitchens, and bathrooms (see Figure 7). They also accompany people to internet cafes, restaurants, airports, parking lots, and
pools.
While such portability provides people with tremendous convenience, laptops present webcam hackers with a smorgasbord of privacy invasion opportunities. As shown in Figure 7, 62% of laptop owners in the study indicated they use their
machines in the living room – where a webcam hacker could watch and/or record a family’s children, private conversations, television programs, and/or reading material. About 4 in 10 laptop users work in a bedroom, where cyber-peepers might observe people in their underwear and/or eavesdrop on private activities.
Privy to a variety of compromising situations, webcam hackers have numerous opportunities for cybercrime. As indicated
earlier, after a web camera secretly recorded a gay Rutgers’s student kissing another man, deeply embarrassed, the student
committed suicide (Mulvihill, 2012; Pitts, 2010).
Webcams provide creative hackers with limitless access to potentially embarrassing information that could be used to bully
or blackmail laptop owners. Beyond peeping, the technology also provides opportunities for cyber-stalking, hate crimes, and
identity theft.
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
Behavioral Analysis
Despite media coverage of the issue (Mah, 2011a, 2011b; Martin, 2010; Mulvihill, 2012; Pitts, 2010; Shamlian, 2012), many laptop owners do nothing to protect themselves from webcam hackers. Many fail to act because they did not know such activities were possible. Half the laptop users surveyed in this study were unaware of the risks of webcam hacking. With approximately 170 million people using laptops worldwide (eTForecasts, 2010), the study’s findings suggest there could be
as many as 50 million unsuspecting laptop users who could be victimized by webcam hackers. Upon learning their webcams
could be hacked, several study participants said they planned to cover their webcams immediately. Such responses suggest
educational campaigns about the risk of webcam hacking could prompt laptop users to take action to protect their privacy.
In contrast, other laptop users in the study were not concerned – even though they were aware of web camera hacking. A
few survey participants, primarily men, joked about boring (or entertaining) cyber-peepers. Such comments suggested some
laptop users do not believe webcam hackers pose a significant threat.
Such a lassie faire attitude may be due, in part, to the availability of virus protection software; 76% of study participants said
their machines were protected by software, such as Norton, McAfee, or Webroot. Since hackers typically use a virus or Trojan to
gain access to a web camera, laptop users may believe virus protection software makes them impervious to hacking. It is important to remember, however, that such software is designed to prevent known threats. New viruses and Trojans are frequently
introduced into cyberspace (SecurePC, 2012; “Virus or Trojan
Protection Tips,” 2012), with some estimates as high as 200
. . . the use of virus protection makes
new types per month (Kuo, 1999). An internet security report
from 2006 cited by the Department of Homeland Security
the hacker’s job more difficult – but not
showed documentation for more than 2,200 new computer
impossible. Laptop users who believe
vulnerabilities and almost 7,000 new worms and viruses in
the first six months of 2006 – setting a record for the most
virus protection is a ‘bulletproof’ way to
ever recorded in a 6-month period (Department of Homestop cybercriminals might be lulled into
land Security, 2008). As a result, the use of virus protection
makes the hacker’s job more difficult – but not impossible.
a false sense of security - leaving them
Laptop users who believe virus protection is a ‘bulletproof’
vulnerable to emergent threats.
way to stop cybercriminals might be lulled into a false sense
of security - leaving them vulnerable to emergent threats.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Get Covered – While virus protection software is very helpful, a cyber-security expert in the Pentagon noted that the only
definitive way to prevent such hacking is to cover the lens of your webcam (P. Eftekhari, personal communication, March 20, 2012).
Such an approach is highly effective since it physically stops hackers from watching and recording any laptop activities.
Keep Informed – Given the rapid growth of webcam technology (e.g., laptops, tablets, game consoles, cell phones, and
televisions), it is imperative for consumers as well as organizations to understand how web camera technology may encroach upon
privacy. The CamPatch Academy (2012), founded by Eftekhari, provides free resources for web camera users who are interested
in learning more about webcam hacking. “In the past, it’s been difficult to find information about the risks of webcam hacking,”
Eftekhari said. “The CamPatch Academy provides a central repository of factual information about web camera risks as well as tools
and techniques about how to protect yourself.”
Stay Alert – Laptops typically have a light that indicates the camera is active. If a webcam light unexpectedly activates, be
aware that it may be broadcasting an image. Also be vigilant about maintaining virus protection software. Most hackers cannot
gain access to a computer without first infecting a machine’s software with a virus or Trojan. Finally, when using laptops that belong
to other
organizations, as was the case with the couple in Wyoming (Jamieson & Robinson, 2011; Shamlian, 2012) and the school
district in Philadelphia (Mah, 2011a, 2011b; Martin, 2010), make sure you read and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Close your Laptop – When you’re not using your laptop, simply close it or point it toward the wall. Doing
this will ensure that even if someone does hack into your webcam they won’t see anything.
CONCLUSION
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
CONCLUSION
In several respects, webcam hacking is similar to identity theft – it is a crime. When the phenomena first emerged, most
Americans were unaware someone could use a Social Security number to secretly open credit card accounts and/or take out
unauthorized loans. The public at large only became aware after thousands of victims had their lives and credit ruined.
With webcam technology expanding, privacy invasion risks will continue to grow. Opportunities for abuse are
limited only by the creativity and imagination of cyber-criminals. Given the significant risk, today’s laptop owners need
to be aware that hackers are capable of secretly entering their homes through the lens of a web camera.
As awareness and concern about the issue grows, laptop users face a simple choice:
•
Do nothing – leaving their machines defenseless against webcam hackers or
•
Act now – protecting their privacy by proactively blocking potential hackers
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
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CamPatch Academy. (2012). Retrieved from www.campatchacademy.org
Department of Homeland Security. (2008). Cyber Security Procurement Language for Control Systems. Retrieved from http://www.us-cert.gov/control_systems/pdf/SCADA_Procurement_DHS_Final_to_Issue_08-19-08.pdf
eTForecasts. (2010, January 11). PC sales will top 300M units in 2010: Worldwide mobile PC sales to reach 170M units. Retrieved from http://www.etforecasts.com/pr/pr011110.htm
F-Secure. (2010, November 5). Hacker extorted teenage girls with a webcam Trojan. Retrieved from http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00002060.html
Hays, J. (2011). Chinese military and hackers. Facts and Details. Retrieved from http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=1105&catid=8&subcatid=51
Jamieson & Robinson, LLC. (2011, May 2). Aaron’s Inc. Sued over computer spyware allegations according to Jamieson & Robinson, LLC. PRNewswire. Retrieved from http://www.webcamlawsuit.com/i/press-release.pdf
Kuo, C. J. (1999). Free anti-virus tips and techniques. Network Associates. Retrieved from http://www.mcafee.com/us/resources/white-papers/wp-free-av-tips-techniques.pdf
Kumar, S. P. (2009, May 26). The truth about webcam hacking. Hellbound bloggers. Retrieved from http://hellboundbloggers.com/2009/05/26/truth-about-webcam-hacking/
Mah, P. (2011, May 6). Leasing company sued for allegedly spying via laptop webcam. Fierce CIO TechWatch. Retrieved from http://www.fiercecio.com/techwatch/story/leasing-company-sued-alleged-spying-laptop-webcam/2011-05-06
Mah, P. (2011, May 6). Webcam spying allegation highlights dangers of spyware. Fierce CIO TechWatch. Retrieved from http://www.fiercecio.com/techwatch/story/webcam-spying-allegation-highlights-dangers-spyware/2011-05-06
Martin, J. P. (2010, October 12). Lower Merion district’s laptop saga ends with $610,000 settlement. The Inquirer. Retrieved from http://articles.philly.com/2010-10-12/news/24981536_1_laptop-students-district-several-million-dollars
Mulvihill, G. (2012, March 3). At gay-intimidation trial, man testifies he saw webcam in dorm room. Denver Post. Retrieved from http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_20091477
Pitts, B. (2010, September 10). Gay student’s death highlights troubling trend. CBS Evening News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-18563_162-6916119.html
SecurePC. (2012). Protect your office and home PCs from virus/bugs. Retrieved from http://www.secureurpc.com/secureurpc-articles/latest-virus-alerts.php
Shamlian, J. (2012). Invasion of privacy? Lawsuit: Rented computer’s webcam spied on customers. Today Show. Retrieved from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/42912168#42912168
Wozny, A. (2010, November 24). Webcam hacker sent to jail for cyber-peeping. Examiner.com. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/canada-cyber-safety-in-canada/webcam-hacker-sent-to-jail-for-cyber-peeping#ixzz1AhPpuqF8
Virus or Trojans protection tips: How to protect your computer or laptop from virus or Trojans. (2012). HubPages. Retrieved from http://rancidtaste.hubpages.com/hub/Virus-or-Trojans-Protection-Tips-How-to-Protect-Your-Computer-from-Virus-or-Trojans
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Is Someone Watching You Through Your Webcam?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The CamPatch Academy would like to thank Dr. Arlen Griffey, Dr. Rich Schuttler, and Zachary Miller for their assistance in
planning the study and reviewing the final report.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ruby A. Rouse, Ph.D., is Director of Research for Organizational Troubleshooter LLC, a business and research consulting
firm that works with organizations to improve their performance . She is an internationally published author who received a
national grant in 2009 to study leadership during the financial crisis. Dr. Rouse received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from
Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in speech from the University of Houston, and a doctoral degree in marketing communication from the University of Connecticut. She currently teaches doctoral courses for the School of Advanced Studies at
the University of Phoenix. Dr. Rouse can be reached at DrRubyRouse@gmail.com or www.drrichschuttler.com/services/research-center/ ABOUT THE CAMPATCH ACADEMY
The CamPatch AcademyTM provides education, resources, and links to promote the privacy of webcam users and is the philanthropic arm of CamPatch®, a company that manufactures and sells high quality, reusable webcam covers.
© 2012 The CamPatch Academy
www.campatchacademy.org
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