The H.A.C.K.E.R. Project

Today, nearly all laptop computers have a built-in webcam. Having the camera built in to the device makes it easier to perform video calls; however, this addition also poses an additional security risk to not just your device, but also your own privacy. Thus, it is important to cover your webcam whenever it is not in use.

Why You Should Cover Your Webcam

Unfortunately, it is possible for a hacker or even a malicious program to gain access to your webcam and activate it without your knowledge; there are even ways to circumvent the “camera active” light that usually turns on whenever the webcam is in use. Once they gain access, they can record videos and take pictures through the webcam, invading your privacy and possibly collecting material they can use to later harass you or blackmail you into paying them. Fortunately, this method of attack is relatively easy to thwart by simply covering the webcam.

Covering Your Webcam

The most straightforward way of doing this is by covering the webcam with a small piece of solid-colored tape, especially if you rarely or never use the webcam. The primary downside to this solution is that sticky residue may be left behind on your device if you attempt to remove the tape, which could make the webcam video appear blurred until it is cleaned. If you use your webcam now and again, placing a sticky note over the webcam might be a better solution than a piece of tape. When you need to use the webcam, you can simply remove the sticky note, and then replace it once you are finished. Similarly, there may be sticky residue left behind by the sticky note, but this is less likely than with a piece of tape. Alternatively, you can purchase a webcam cover that adheres over the webcam. These webcam covers have a small piece of plastic that can be slid back and forth to block and unblock the webcam. That way, all you have to do is slide the window open to use the webcam instead of having to remove and replace a piece of tape or a sticky note.

Finally, if your webcam is not built in to your device and is an external piece of hardware, then simply unplugging it from your device and storing it is a surefire way to keep it protected. Some external webcams also come with built-in covers, so utilizing this feature enables you to keep the webcam plugged in while being covered. If you want to be doubly sure that your webcam is secure, you can cover it and unplug it!