problems with sunlight 'smudging' photos taken on my canon powershot...maybe a light leak?

I have a canon powershot elph 115 15  8x optical zoom that either has a leak letting in light or maybe the two very tiny scratches on the glass over the lens are causing this phenomenon?

I wondered if someone might recognize what's going on from the photos I attached.

It only happens when the sun is out and at a certain angle from above (I think?) I'm trying to pay more attention.

When it is cloudy, or indoor shots or sometimes outdoors and sunny but the sun is not directly above or in line somewhere to the side of the camera, the photos are fine.

Yesterday, a perfectly clear sunny day, we were out later than usual so many of the pictures were taken almost mid day and sure enough, almost all have some degree of 'fog' or 'smudge' or 'ghostiness'...mostly in the center and down from the right.

I would appreciate any ideas...I even wondered if there was a hood of some kind that would work temporarily?
I just don't want to replace this camera yet and it is starting to disappoint more and more often.

Maybe I've answered my own question...

1. Lens Hoods Block Unwanted Light. A lens hood acts like a visor, blocking strong light from entering the lens from an angle. Without a lens hood, strong light hitting your lens at an angle can often cause lens flares, ghosting, reduce the contrast and lower the overall quality of your image.

...now if I can find one that fits my camera.
edit...apparently they aren't made for a retractable lens camera?

Does anyone here use one?  Recommendations?

A broad-brimmed hat works wonders - just hold it up to shade the lens

Michael Cox wrote:A broad-brimmed hat works wonders - just hold it up to shade the lens

duh!  thank you...
I've been looking at all kinds of diy ideas to strap on the camera itself and never thought of a hat's brim

I've started wearing a billed cap when we hike because if I wear sunglasses I can't see the ground as well...now I can look for a slightly broader bill and that will likely do the trick.  It's just a small camera so maybe I won't even have to take off the hat.