Researchers indicate MacBook webcams can be compromised

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University confirmed it's possible to turn on a laptop's web camera without turning on a light that informs users the camera is on. Just a few years ago, it didn't seem possible to hack a webcam like this, but it's something consumers need to be somewhat vigilant about.

The team focused on Apple MacBook and iMac models available before 2008, but said the exploit can be used on a variety of different models. Although Apple initially opened up communication with Johns Hopkins University to discuss the problem, there reportedly haven't been any further updates.

Using a Remote Administration Tool (RAT), for example, works around the computer's security and remotely controls the computer webcam.

For users worried about being remotely spied on, security researchers recommend simply placing a piece of tape over your web camera when it isn't in use. It may seem like a rather archaic method, but is successful in case the camera has been compromised.