Now are there many hackers now who would be monitoring me if I didn't? Pure curiosity
I think the chance is relatively small for normal internet users.
if you hang around on various platforms that also offer illegal items (films, music), then the chance is of course a little higher.
therefore… Theoretically anyone can get caught… Doesn't necessarily have to want to hack you, sometimes you're just any victim.
The risk is higher or lower depending on what you do.
But theoretically it can affect anyone.
A lot of people just don't have a good feeling about leaving the cam on because like you said hackers can access it and see everything you do… There are special cheap shift covers, if you don't want a stupid adhesive tape.
If you consider yourself to be so important or interesting and / or to get something from yourself, this is quite possible in this way. Covering the cam helps at least not to transfer any images. Nonetheless, you should regularly check and check your laptop / PC because audio files are also possible in addition to image transmission.
It doesn't have to be hackers, it's just about the fact that no one can use the webcam, regardless of whether they are hackers or legitimate software providers who reserve something like this via their terms and conditions.
However, there have already been cases or corresponding possibilities in the past.
https://www.rt.com/uk/207215-webcam-spy-homes-russia/
https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/13/smile-hackers-can-silently-access-your-webcam-right-through-the-browser-again/?guccounter=1
