Imagine if a perfect stranger could watch you through your web cam.

If your computer has a camera, smile. Random hackers could be watching you through it. 

It’s a terrifying thought and there are a few steps you can take to be sure your peep hole hasn’t been hacked. Norton AntiVirus has the following advice to secure your webcam:

• Don’t click on suspicious attachments, especially sites offering free downloads of music, TV shows or videos that could activate the camera.

• Don’t keep PCs with webcams in bedrooms and remind family members not to do anything in front of a webcam they wouldn’t want the world to see.

• Secure your wireless connection. Make sure it's connection is protected with a unique password, not the default one that came with the router.

• Don’t talk to strangers. Avoid IM conversations with people you don’t know, and advise your kids to do the same.

• Be extra cautious about accepting tech help. Would-be hackers have been known to ingratiate themselves with acquaintances by offering computer help, then rigging webcams so they can spy on the computer user.

• Look for the indicator light. On external webcams, you’ll usually see a red light when the camera is on. 

In the end, hacking experts agree the low-tech solution is your best bet. Cover the lens with tape, or even a post-it note. Better yet, disable the camera when you’re not using it – especially if you’re on public WiFi.