Cybersecurity Law: How Your Webcams Act As Gateways And What The Law Says You Can Do
Cybersecurity law is a new branch of law that covers intrusions from hackers as well as disallowed dispersal of information from within. Since cybercrimes are, and continue to be, a difficult-to-define area, more and more laws are developed every day to handle new incidents that fall into that gray, unknown area. One part of that pertains to webcams and their use. Hacking a webcam is fairly easy and it provides the hacker with a lot of visual information. Here is what the law says you can do about webcams acting as gateways for cyber-intruders.
Noticing a Webcam in Use
For webcams that are built into laptops and desktop screens, the "on" light may go unnoticed for several minutes to several hours. This could expose just enough information for the cyber-intruder to hack other systems in your office or home. The laws are such that, if you notice the little red webcam light is on, call the police out of sight and out of earshot of the camera.
Then turn the monitor toward a wall before the police arrive so the cyber-intruder does not see the police coming. Discuss your situation with the police outside, and then the cyber-intruder cannot hear what is happening either. The police will bring special equipment that they can connect to your computer which will help them track the signal to the cyber- intruder's location and arrest him/her.
Getting Police Reports on the Event
Seeing as you are a victim of a cybercrime, you will need to get the incident reports from the police. If there is an arrest in your case, get that report too (if you can). In the meantime, place a piece of duct tape or a sticker over the webcam circle in your laptop's screen or your desktop's monitor. Close the lid on the laptop or turn off your desktop and turn it toward the wall to discourage further hacking attempts. If you notice that any of your financial records or other valuable or personal information has been accessed or tampered with, file a report for those incidents too (preferably separate reports, as they may count as separate charges against the cyber-intruder).
Hiring a Lawyer
Hire only a lawyer who knows cybersecurity laws well enough to defend you. If the cyber-intruder is caught, you can sue him/her for any losses incurred and any damages done to your company or personal finances. If you also feel unsafe and traumatized by the event because you discover that the cyber-intruder was watching and recording everything you do or others do in the office and need to see a therapist, these expenses may also be included.
For more information about cybersecurity law, check out a company like Vandeventer Black LLP.