Hi guys I was wondering whether the webcam on the predator laptops have their LED hardwired?

EpicBunty

If the LED is hardwired then it would turn on whenever the webcam is in use. I'm asking because I was thinking of putting tape on it but I wouldn't have it if the LED is hardwired. can an expert comment on this? Is it possible the to hack the webcam such that the LED does not turn on while the webcam is in use ?

Balatekie

Hi @EpicBunty, 

Could feel your concern of safety from the cyber-snoopers who hack camera without our knowledge. Questioning the architect of laptop's webcam, we can make ourself safe from the cyber hackers. You could read the blog about safe guarding ourselves by clicking here.

NOTE: There is possibility to hack the camera without turning on the led or any process related to it. Literally not praising but true is, Hackers act smart and react quicker to what a regular consumer thinks. 

Balatekie

Hi @EpicBunty, 

Could feel your concern of safety from the cyber-snoopers who hack camera without our knowledge. Questioning the architect of laptop's webcam, we can make ourself safe from the cyber hackers. You could read the blog about safe guarding ourselves by clicking here.

NOTE: There is possibility to hack the camera without turning on the led or any process related to it. Literally not praising but true is, Hackers act smart and react quicker to what a regular consumer thinks. 

sri369

@EpicBunty
This is in place so the user is aware whenever cam turns on. This is a safety feature and best not meddled with (you cannot do it using software since that would be illegal in many countries). Why would you even want to turn on without turning on lights unless you are hiding from someone or wanting to turn it on without the knowledge of user using it. Use a tape altogether on cam n LEDs - this is the most common practice.

EpicBunty

its not something I want to do, I was only asking whether it was possible out of concern for my own safety and if so then I would have to use tape. this is why I was hoping someone familiar with the build of the laptop and its webcam could answer it.

sri369

EpicBunty said:

its not something I want to do, I was only asking whether it was possible out of concern for my own safety and if so then I would have to use tape. this is why I was hoping someone familiar with the build of the laptop and its webcam could answer it.

This is in place across all brands and all models pretty much. Light on means someone has turned it on, be it you or remotely. Apply a tape on it.

EpicBunty

I know that ,what I was asking was whether someone could turn the webcam on without the LED lighting up. and I have put a piece of cardboard along with tape on the camera so as not to damage it, yet allow easy removal should the webcam we required.

sri369

EpicBunty said:

I know that ,what I was asking was whether someone could turn the webcam on without the LED lighting up. and I have put a piece of cardboard along with tape on the camera so as not to damage it, yet allow easy removal should the webcam we required.

Not to my knowledge - the led is generally hardwired to the camera in series.
Instead of cardboard, use a glossy tape or a piece of paper or the sticky part of sticky notes paper. This way you won't find the "bump" when you close the lid.