A “cursed” webcam that turns on by itself isn’t a ghost story—it’s a modern security risk. Webcam access hijacking, deepfake video injection, and account spoofing can recreate the same chills in real life. Here’s how it happens and how to protect yourself.
The Curse of the Webcam
Late at night,
the closed laptop’s
webcam light suddenly turned on by itself.
On the screen,
sat a figure —
someone else —
in my seat.
Moments later, my phone buzzed.
The sender: myself.
The message contained just one line:
.
.
.
“Don’t turn off the webcam.”
It sounds like a simple ghost story — but in reality, this scenario can absolutely happen in a modern IT environment. The true cause lies in webcam access hijacking and account spoofing.
1) Why the webcam light turned on
Most webcams don’t have a physical switch. If your PC is infected with malware or a remote access trojan (RAT), a hacker can activate it at will.
Older operating systems or unpatched security updates make this even easier. What seems like a supernatural “light turning on by itself” is often the visible symptom of a compromised system.
2) The stranger on the screen
A hacker can inject a deepfake or a pre-recorded video stream into the webcam preview feed. Victims then see “someone else” sitting at their desk — and panic.
Security researchers have documented cases where attackers replaced real webcam feeds with deceptive videos to confuse or frighten users.
3) A message from yourself
Once an attacker hijacks your email or messenger account, they can send messages under your own name. Even without direct access, they might use spoofing techniques to fake the sender’s identity.
A short line like “Don’t turn off the webcam” isn’t random — it’s a deliberate psychological weapon meant to amplify helplessness and fear.
⚠️ Today’s Lesson
Unseen eyes can exist
Even when you think you’re alone, a connected camera or microphone can let someone else watch.
Hackers are scarier than ghosts
Unlike imaginary spirits, real attackers are persistent and tangible. They can steal data, hijack accounts, and invade privacy — leaving far worse scars than a campfire story.
Prevention is the best defense
- Cover your webcam (slider or tape) when not in use.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all critical accounts.
- Keep your OS and software patched and up to date.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unknown attachments.
Small habits like these are your final shield against invisible threats in the digital night.
That’s all for today. Stay safe, and protect your digital life.
You can view the original Korean blog post at the link below