Malware can turn off webcam LED and record video, demonstrated on ThinkPad X230

Re:Malware can turn off webcam LED and record video, demonst... by criddell on Wednesday November 27, 2024 @03:56PM (#42259685)

Does that mean if the LED dies the camera is dead?

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Re:Malware can turn off webcam LED and record video, demonst... by a2800276 on Wednesday November 27, 2024 @04:12PM (#42259826)

You could wire it up either way. In general the LED is extremely likely to outlive the rest of the laptop, though.

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Re:Malware can turn off webcam LED and record video, demonst... by megous on Thursday November 28, 2024 @06:17PM (#42269321)

Yes, and it would die rather quickly if it would be a typical low power 2mA LED. Cam sensors can consume quite a bit of power, certainly more than 6mW at 3.3V when active (easily 200-500mW). Even if it would not die, it would be irritating, because light intensity would vary with power consumption of the sensor module.

Nobody sane would hopefully design it this way. :)

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