Webcams are not new. The first one was launched in the early 1990s.
It was actually a by-product of computer science research.
Despite the technology the scientists were working with, they were not all located on the same floor and the coffee pot was on a different one.
That meant people frequently turned up to find the coffee pot empty.
To prevent this being an issue the scientists set up a camera and added software that made the camera take three pictures every minute.
These were relayed to all the departments.
It resolved the issue of going to the coffee pot and finding it empty. In 1993 a computer scientist, Dr Martyn Johnson, came across the images.
He was not part of the original experiment.
He saw a way to write scripts around the images. This meant any connected lab could access the camera and be given the latest picture of the coffee pot.
It seems like a small development, but it was the very first webcam.
Today, webcams are used all the time.
People upload videos to social media channels, chat over video calls, and to communicate throughout businesses.
However, what most people don’t realize is that webcams are surprisingly easy to hack.
Hackers generally use a mixture of social engineering and malware to hack a webcam.
Once it’s been hacked they can see everything you are doing, including which keys you are pressing.
Worryingly, a good hacker can get into your camera in less than one minute.
They are even capable of turning off the webcam light, meaning you won’t know it’s on.
You may be surprised at some of the following webcam hacking statistics.
They will definitely make you look at your webcam in a new light.
Key Statistics
Here are several statistics that will make you think twice about using, or even having a webcam:
- Experienced hackers can hack your webcam in less than one minute
- 123456 is the most exploited password
- Hackers have plenty of targets, it’s estimated there are 200 billion connected devices
- Most hacks are completed via malware or social engineering
- 73% of black hat hackers see standard firewalls and antivirus programs as obsolete
- There is already a shortage of cybersecurity specialists
- 79% of the US realize their webcam could be hacked
- 80% of people believe laptops should have a kill switch
Top Webcam Hacking Statistics in 2025
Let’s take a look at those statistics in a little more detail:
1. Experienced Hackers Can Hack Your Webcam In Less Than One Minute
A recent study looked at how often hacking attacks happen and what is targeted.
Alarmingly, it found that an attack happens every 39 seconds.
Not all attacks are directed at webcams. However, as this is often the weakest link, it has become a popular target.
The survey found that an experienced hacker simply needed a w<ay into your system. They can then hack the webcam in less than one minute.
This allows them to see everything going on within the camera’s field of vision.
This usually includes your keyboard, effectively allowing them to log every keystroke and find out everything they can about you and your habits.
(University Of Maryland)
2. 123456 Is The Most Exploited Password
Having a strong password is essential to avoid being hacked in general.
If a hacker can work out your password they can get into your system and find compromising images and documents.
This allows them to blackmail you.
This also gives them access to your webcam, allowing them to watch and record you, without you knowing.
Despite how serious this is, many people still use passwords that can be easily cracked.
The password ‘123456’ remains one of the most popular and, therefore, one that hackers will often try first.
In many cases it works and the hacker can take control of your webcam.
(NordPass)
3. Hackers Have Plenty Of Targets, It’s Estimated There Are 200 Billion Connected Devices
Studies estimate that 5.3 billion people used the internet in 2022. An increase of nearly half a billion from 2021.
That’s 66% of the population and the vast majority of these users have webcams.
Don’t forget, any phone camera can be turned into a webcam simply by downloading an app.
With malware you don’t even need to download the app yourself.
5.3 billion is a large number but that is a fraction of the number of devices. The latest estimates suggest there are 200 billion devices connected to the internet.
That’s home computers, phones, work computers, smart devices, and more.
Not all devices have cameras, but there are enough that do, making them an easy target for hackers.
The law of averages is on their side. In effect, attempt to hack enough cameras and you’ll get into some of them.
(University Of Maryland)
4. Most Hacks Are Completed Via Malware Or Social Engineering
Hacking can seem like a complicated pastime where you’ll need to know plenty of code to get the information you need.
However, the truth is most hackers will find out the information they need by social engineering or by installing malware on your device.
Malware is generally installed when you click on a link and don’t realize that the malware is attached to the file you’ve downloaded.
It can be offered via a link on the internet, social media, or even via email.
Once they have installed the malware they can watch what you type and learn your passwords.
They can also access the files on your device.
The webcam is easy to hack with the password, allowing them to see everything that you do.
Social engineering is when hackers look at your social media accounts and glean as much information as they can about you.
You may be surprised at how much information you upload, including your name, email address, hobbies, and even your date of birth.
Hackers can often work out an easy password just by looking at your social media presence.
(Forbes)
5. 73% Of Black Hat Hackers See Standard Firewalls and Antivirus programs as obsolete
Firewalls and antivirus programs are designed to help keep your personal data safe.
However, the truth is that these programs often react to issues as opposed to anticipating issues.
While any protection is better than none, experienced hackers don’t have any problems bypâssing or sidestepping these security programs.
You’ll have seen people bypassing security and hacking systems on televisions and in the movies.
While the speed at which they achieve results is usually exaggerated, the results are generally possible.
It makes standard firewalls and antivirus programs redundant, although any defense is better than none.
(Thycotic)
6. There Is Already A Shortage Of Cybersecurity Specialists
CyberSecurity Ventures estimated a shortage of cybersecurity experts totaling 3.5 million people in 2021.
That figure has now been surpassed.
The problem with a shortage of specialists is there aren’t enough computer technicians to keep improving defenses against attacks.
In other words, as hacker numbers continue to grow the number of successful hacks will start to climb.
That is seriously concerning for anyone with a webcam.
(CyberSecurity Ventures)
7. 79% Of The US Realize Their Webcam Could Be Hacked
A more positive statistic reflects that most people understand there is an issue.
A recent survey showed that as many as 79% of the people asked knew that their webcam, and therefore their privacy, can be hacked via an existing webcam, potentially putting them in an embarrassing or vulnerable position.
Interestingly, the same study found that 59% of people are attempting to deal with the problem by covering their webcam when it’s not in use.
Of course, this means that 20% of people are aware of the potential issue and aren’t interested in doing anything to stop it.
(HP Webcam Security Study)
8. 80% Of People Believe Laptops Should Have A Webcam Kill Switch
Currently, most laptops don’t have an easy-to-access kill switch for webcams. HP is one of the few manufacturers that does include one.
When asked in a survey, 80% of people believed this would be a good idea.
Again, illustrating that people are aware of the issue. They just need a little help with the solution.
(HP Webcam Security Study)
How To Stop Your Webcam From Being Hacked
Webcam hacking is a serious issue, one that nets hackers billions of dollars every year.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim:
Strengthen Your Passwords
The first thing you need to do is look at your passwords. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long.
They shouldl use lower and uppercase letters, with numbers and special characters.
They should also be unrelated to you, your family, your work, or your hobbies.
If you’re struggling to create strong passwords then use a password manager/generator.
They can create passwords for you and store them, meaning you only need to remember one.
Verify The Source Of Downloads Before Downloading
Before you download anything, check what the source is. Simply hovering on a link will show you where it comes from.
This applies to software, pictures, videos, and other random sites that you visit.
Malware is often hidden inside popular downloads. Think carefully before downloading anything.
Of course, it also helps to install and regularly run an anti-malware program.
Cover Your Camera
One of the safest and simplest ways to ensure no one can watch you through your webcam is to simply cover it.
You don’t need to invest in anything hi-tech.
Simply cover the camera with a thick cloth and make sure it can’t fall off. A piece of electrical tape is also a good idea.
If the camera is effectively blinded it’s not much use to hackers.
Always Logout
If you go online for social media, your bank account, or anything else, then make sure you log out when you are finished.
Staying logged in means that anyone hacking your device, or viewing through your webcam, will be able to get into your online accounts.
It’s much safer to log out when you’ve finished using them.
Change Webcam Settings
If you go into the programs on your computer you’ll find your webcam.
It should then be possible to open the settings and modify them.
Your aim should be to turn off anyone being able to access your webcam and instead only allow trusted IPs and apps.
You then control which programs can use your webcam. To maintain security keep your list as short as possible.
Don’t forget, if someone does hack your webcam the light will blink.
It may go off after a while but if you see it blinking unexpectedly, enter your computer settings and turn off the webcam.
You should also check your files and downloads to see if anything strange is on your system.
If you have any doubts, run your antivirus and antimalware programs.
They should locate and quarantine any issues.
Summing Up
The webcam hacking statistics confirm that anyone can be hacked.
If that happens your privacy will be invaded and the hacker could glean enough information to hack your accounts.
Equally, they could use your webcam without you knowing, allowing them to see you completing a variety of tasks.
This would effectively provide them with an easy means to blackmail you.
That’s not a scenario you want which is why it is better to take sensible precautions to prevent this from happening.