One more layer of security (Suggestion: Privacy)

[Nazareno]

Hello, I would like mbam to have webcam and microphone protection as well as keyboard keystrokes. This would greatly increase the security of the device and attract new consumers with such concerns. Well that's my suggestion. Thank you very much in advance. Best regards.  

[Amaroq_Starwind]

How would Webcam and Microphone protection even work?

[Ike]

If you have a Premium subscription, they ship you a roll of duct tape?

[exile360]

I have seen other security products which will alert the user whenever a process attempts to access the microphone or webcam as well as whenever the webcam is turned on (unfortunately they can't really do the same for mics since they are always on by default, though I have mine disabled along with the webcam via hardware and Device Manager).

I will pass these suggestions on to the team, however I have requested all of these items in the past and they were never developed so I'm not too confident that they would be now unless they see things differently now than they did then.

[Amaroq_Starwind]

Why not add the ability to actively block unauthorized access to the webcam or microphone, by taking exclusive control of the device and then presenting a virtual webcam or virtual microphone to the rest of the OS?

[exile360]

Doing something like that could seriously break compatibility with other software and devices and would be extremely tricky to implement for custom setups such as the built-in webcams in laptops.  Anything that a security tool would do to secure these devices would need to go through the standard Windows APIs and controls for monitoring and using these devices, otherwise there's a very high risk of not only breaking their basic functionality, but also putting system stability at risk (i.e. BSODs etc.).

[Ike]

My AV solution (Kaspersky Total Security) has Webcam Protection. Don't have/want/need a cam at this point anyway.

Couldn't find anything about microphones (which I do use all the time), but Kaspersky does note when an app is allowed to access audio stream.

Maybe only plug in your devices when in use, or has been suggested, disable in device manager.

HTH,

-Ike

[David H. Lipman]

Malwarebytes DOES provide webcam protection.  However it is a paid-for hardware device and it is not based upon software.

Spoiler

 

 

[Amaroq_Starwind]

I love it. Mechanical shutters over webcams are something I've wanted to be built-in to laptops for years.

Where do I order those, and how much do they cost?

[Nazareno]

and for which we use desktop computers?

[Amaroq_Starwind]

For that, there's only one solution. Unplug your external webcam when you're not using it, or get a webcam with a flat front so you can still put that thing on.

[David H. Lipman]

C'mon guys. 

All you need is the sticky part of a Post-It sticky note paper and if the Webcam is external, unplug it.  Or put it on a powered USB hub which is in-turn on a power switch.

BTW:  Some vendors who embed Webcams do have a mechanical shutters in their platform.

HINT:  Worry about smart TV sets that have a camera !!!

[exile360]

32 minutes ago, David H. Lipman said:

Malwarebytes DOES provide webcam protection.  However it is a paid-for hardware device and it is not based upon software.

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Oh yeah, I totally forgot about those, thanks David  !

I need to get me one for my lappy.  Been using a folded up mini envelope that wraps over the top to cover it (though I also have it disabled in hardware and the Device Manager, thanks to that being a built-in function in all Eurocom laptops (and likely all Clevo laptops in general, I'm guessing)).

[Amaroq_Starwind]

21 minutes ago, David H. Lipman said:

C'mon guys. 

All you need is the sticky part of a Post-It sticky note paper and if the Webcam is external, unplug it.  Or put it on a powered USB hub which is in-turn on a power switch.

BTW:  Some vendors who embed Webcams do have a mechanical shutters in their platform.

HINT:  Worry about smart TV sets that have a camera !!!

But I want to buy the actual Malwarebytes shutter. Assuming it's official merchandise, of course.

[David H. Lipman]

 

7 minutes ago, Amaroq_Starwind said:

But I want to buy the actual Malwarebytes shutter. Assuming it's official merchandise, of course.

I hear 'ya !