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| Updated: 8/30/2012 8:04 am |
Published: 7/29/2012 5:41 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Experts estimate 170 million people use laptop computers worldwide. The majority of those laptops have built in web cameras that anyone could tap into.
"You don't even have to look for it as a special feature anymore. It just comes with the computer," said CNET spokesman Dan Ackerman.
Most people use their laptops in their hotel rooms on vacation or in bed while working at night.
"With the web cam comes the opportunity for people to use malicious software to control the web cam," said FBI spokesman Justin Vellese.
Experts say someone could even tap into your camera to watch you.
But there are some things you can do to protect yourself.
"Make sure your firewall is turned on at all times and you have your anti-virus, anti-malware apps running constantly." said Ackerman.
Also, experts say trying a simple solution.
"If you're not using the camera, you can disable it by simply putting a post it over it," said Vellese.
The FBI considers the crime cyber terrorism and if it happens to you, they advise getting help fast because odds are you are not the only victim.
The FBI says young women are the most targeted for this kind of crime.
