Device sensors such as microphones and cameras have generated serious privacy concerns in the past few years. Most Remote Access Trojans (backdoor software) on the market can tap into a laptop’s camera and microphone to spy on unsuspecting victims.
This form of audio and visual spying is common in “stalkerware” attacks – a type of privacy invasion specific to attackers who already have a relationship with the victim. Much like any form of stalking, the attacker attempts to collect troves of information about victims to become part of their lives. Other attackers use incriminating video or audio feeds to blackmail victims, threatening to post the information on social media if they don’t pay a ransom.
Some Remote Access Trojan kits capable of tapping into microphone feeds include DarkComet, NingaliNET, NanoCore, REMCOS and DarkTrack.