A long time ago, my coworkers were puzzled about why I covered my laptop’s webcam. That changed after they saw a video of a hacker using a remote access trojan (RAT) to spy on two unsuspecting people as they slept. Suddenly, they were taping over their webcam lenses, too.
But as crucial as covering your camera is, it’s only half the battle when it comes to protecting your privacy. If you truly want to prevent unauthorized access, you need to block your microphone as well. Malware designed to hijack a webcam’s feed can just as easily record your audio, a reminder recently reinforced by security firm Kaspersky. While cybercriminals can steal all sorts of personal data, few breaches are as unsettling as unauthorized access to your camera and microphone. Fortunately, there are easy ways to defend against this risk.
One simple method is to use a headset with a built-in or attached microphone that includes a mute function. Even if the mic isn’t functional, as long as Windows recognizes it as an active input device, it can serve as a blocker. Plug in the headset, mute the mic, and then verify in Windows’ Sound settings that it’s the active input (Sound settings > Input). Typically, Windows will automatically switch to the new device. You can further confirm that your microphone is muted by testing it within the Sound settings. On Windows 11, select the mic and use the Microphone test option, while Windows 10 users can test it directly from the main Sound settings screen.
For a more foolproof approach, you can disable the microphone entirely through the system settings. In Windows 11, navigate to Sound settings, scroll to Input, select your microphone, and click Don’t allow under Audio. On Windows 10, go to Sound settings, click Device properties, and check the Disable box. This option is ideal for those who rarely or never use their laptop’s built-in microphone or external mics. Re-enabling the mic is just as straightforward—on Windows 11, go back to Sound settings > [your device] > Audio and select Allow. Windows 10 users can return to Sound settings > Input, select Manage sound devices, find their disabled device, and hit Enable.
If you use multiple devices with microphones, you can also selectively disable the ones you don’t need. For example, I disable the microphone on my Logitech C920 webcam connected to my desktop PC because I dislike its audio quality. This also streamlines my options when adjusting settings. While desktop users have less to worry about—most traditional PCs don’t include built-in microphones—those with all-in-one desktops should still check their Sound settings for any active input devices.
Of course, the best defense is to avoid malware infections altogether. Keeping antivirus software up to date, practicing caution when browsing the web, and being mindful of downloads are all essential steps. Even visiting a compromised website can trigger a drive-by download, and files from torrents—like certain “Linux distros” floating around—may come with hidden surprises.
But if your defenses ever fail, limiting access to your laptop’s camera and microphone can provide an extra layer of security. And if nothing else, taking these precautions might spare you from the embarrassment of accidentally broadcasting a private conversation during a company-wide Zoom call.
