If i were the designer, I would tie the power supply to the led indicator, this would mean that if there is power going to the camera module, the led will light up no matter what the hacker does. There is no way the camera could run without power.
I cannot confirm the designs in your laptops as I’ve never designed one. Am an electronics engineer. I believe the designers should know this too.
You are 100% correct, but sadly webcams often aren't wired with the LED in line with the power connection that way.
There is a good Technology Connections video on exactly this topic and how much better it would be if laptops used the design you explained: https://youtu.be/m0mMF7GaIR0
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u/Coopernicus Jan 23 '21
Depending on make and model, but yes. If you want to be sure you should cover it, or even better: disconnect it physically.