Virus alert: Spies prize Webcams' eyes

The Rbot-GR virus follows a fairly traditional malware route of exploiting Microsoft security vulnerabilities and installing a Trojan horse on infected machines. However, the worm also spies on users by taking control of their Webcam and microphone, then sending images and soundtracks back to the hackers, according to antivirus firm Sophos.

As well as getting an insight into homes and businesses across the world, the worm allows the malware writer to take a look at information on the infected machine's hard drive, steal passwords and launch denial-of-service attacks.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said the virus could be used for industrial espionage--or simply by a nosey hacker to take a look into people's bedrooms.

"Whether this worm is the work of professional snoopers or lusty teenagers--it's hard to say for certain," Cluley said. "What we do know is that there have been a few hundred different versions of the Rbot worm, all of which have been designed to gain some kind of remote access to innocent users' data. This one goes further by also specifically collecting Webcam footage. It seems more and more hackers are building a cocktail of different functionality into their creations."

Those who have the virus may be unaware that their every move could be being tracked by remote hackers. An infected Webcam may show an "active light" when it's being used, but Webcams without such light would offer no giveaway the hacker is watching.

There is, however, one simple way to dodge the prying eyes of the malware merchants--just unplug or switch the Webcam off when it's not in use.

Jo Best of Silicon.com reported from London.