webcam spying?

[AZgurl]

I bought a used MacBook Pro through eBay, and now I'm wondering if the previous owner can spy on me through the webcam?

I'm not very tech-savvy, but I did change the owner's name to mine on the computer, changed the internet connection to my wireless, changed the password, and even renamed this computer.

Have I done enough to safeguard my privacy even if they may still have the serial number?

I've heard the green light must go on, but is there a way for them to look at me without the green light?

With the news of the PA school "spying" through webcams, this got me a little concerned. Call me paranoid, but I'd rather have a peace of mind knowing.

Many thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Tex-Twil]

Hi,
the green light goes on when the wbcam is switched on abd there is no software way to disable it.

BUT I would definitely reinstall the entire OS. There could be other spying softwares installed. Plus you'll get an fresh installed OSX without any data from the previous user.

cheers,
Tex

 

[spinnerlys]

As long as the original owner hasn't install any spyware or trojan, s/he should not be able to do what you are afraid off. S/he also does not know what ISP you have and thus not know your external IP an can not attack you this way.

To be absolutely sure you can always re-install Mac OS X and wipe the drive via Disk Utility with a Zero Out pass or 7-pass.

 

[CJS7070]

The green light is tied into the hardware of the webcam and it is not possible to run the webcam without the light.

 

[NIPRING]

There's a story on engadget right now about a school district that has laptops for its students to tkae home and they have been caught red-handed of remotely turning on the webcams

 

[La-vida227]

you absolutely need to clear the hard drive and start fresh...

 

[Maczz]

i used duct tape

 

[maflynn]

Reformat the drive and reinstall the OS. That will eliminate all doubt and concern

 

[Steve Jobs.]

hahahhaha i take it you read that story about the high school kids with MBP's being spied on by their school district?

 

[Dan73]

Reformat the drive and reinstall the OS. That will eliminate all doubt and concern

This is what I would do.

As for the kids that were spied on, I'm surprised that the kids didn't find out about the software sooner.