A good quality webcam became a must-have tool over the last two years. Without them, business meetings would have been a lot more confusing, and let’s face it, boring.

But hackers are finding new ways to spy on us using our own cameras. They can use rogue websites and apps to gain access.

Fortunately, you can protect yourself easily and at zero cost.

Start with your browser.

Go to ‘Privacy and Security in your browser settings. Find ‘Camera’ and make sure it’s switched to deny website access by default.

Then you can allow specific websites access to your camera, one at a time.

Next, make sure that none of your applications is using your camera without your permission.

Go to your Privacy settings on your computer. Select ‘Camera’, and change the permissions for the apps you don’t want to have access.

You can do the same with your phone, too.

If you’re still worried, you have the option to disable your webcam completely. Simply go to ‘Device Manager, select the camera and then ‘Disable’.

Though we’re sure video calls would be less exciting if everyone did this.