Prevent hacking webcam and mic

Recording devices like webcams and microphones become standard devices in every modern laptop. These devices can be hacked easily by potential intruders or being under attack of remote tapping. A simple worm that installed on the laptop can operate the webcam and microphone remotely and send the audio and video information to remote operator. Hacking these devices are not just a privacy issue, they can expose companies and organizations to industrial and military espionage.

The standard prevention tools like firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware are not providing sufficient solution. These tools are dealing with well known worms signatures. However, portable laptop can be infected by worms that using standard interface like java-script or while using unsecure public connections. The only safe solution to deal with webcam and microphone worms is to disconnect them completely. This can be done either permanently by cutting the microphone wires or blocking the webcam lens or temporarily by disabling these devices in sensitive places by the operating system. The temporary solution will give the laptop user the option to use audio and video in public places and block them in secure places like the company or organization campus.