Webcam Spying?

Are you a victim of Webcam Spying?

If you do not have a Firewall on your wireless router or computer operating system,
you may be a potential victim of Webcam Spying.

Some articles about Webcam Spying (Yes, it can and does really happen !):

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/02/school-district-halts-webcam-surveillance/
http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2008/04/webcam.html
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how_to/4219852.html

How do they do it? Here's an example;
http://www.esecurityplanet.com/trends/article.php/3399211/Worm-Uses-Webcams-to-Spy-on-Users.htm

A good defense is a Firewall either installed on your Computer or Wireless Router, preferably both. If you do not currently have a Firewall program other than the MS-Windows Firewall that came with your operating system, you may want to check into one of the good free firewalls at this link;) (Don't forget Anti-Virus/Spam Protection)
http://www.wnycomsoc.org/community/index.php/topic,969.msg1404.html#msg1404

What can you do to see if you are a potential victim? Have your Ports checked by this ShieldsUP website:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Finally, you can either unplug the Webcam if not in use, or if it's built in, just place black tape over the lens. When not using the computer, you can shut off the power.