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Why You Should Care About Webcam Privacy (Even If You’re Not a Secret Agent)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Even scarier? That little camera can be turned on without the telltale light coming on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And hackers can hijack it to spy on you, collect personal information<\/a>, or even pull off blackmail schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, they probably don\u2019t care about your 17th attempt at banana bread. But if they catch you singing karaoke to yourself at 2 p.m., that\u2019s gold for a scammer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s what hackers can do by accessing your webcam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Webcam covers are the simplest, most effective way to keep digital Peeping Toms at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They physically block your camera. So even if some hacker gets access, all they\u2019ll see is a nice black rectangle\u2014or the back of a sticky note, if you\u2019re into DIY solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no shortage of options out there for covering up your webcam. Let\u2019s take a look at them\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t have to take a trip to the store (or, more likely, search on Amazon<\/a>) for webcam covers. You probably have some great solutions lying around your house right now! These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When selecting your webcam cover, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Note: <\/strong>Tech companies love rearranging things. If the instructions below aren\u2019t exact, the tech fairies have probably moved things around. Try searching for the setting on your device. If that doesn\u2019t work, ask a trusted friend or family member for help, or do a quick web search for instructions using your device model and software version.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Worried your camera\u2019s already been hijacked? Here\u2019s how to check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Windows Users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Mac Users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For iPad and iPhone Users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s be clear: a webcam cover isn’t a digital Superman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It won\u2019t stop audio recording. So, even if the camera is covered, your microphone could still be listening like your great-aunt Mildred at a family reunion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also can\u2019t prevent other types of hacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, perhaps most disappointing, it won\u2019t make you look younger in video calls (for that, you’ll need good lighting\u2026 and possibly a miracle \ud83d\ude1c).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now feels like a good time to remind you of some best practices for your computer\u2019s security. These things will go a long way to keep your camera \u2013 or any other part of your computer \u2013 from being hacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, those annoying update notifications are actually important. Think of them as vitamins for your computer \u2013 they might be annoying, but they’re good for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s like having a security guard for your computer, except this one won’t fall asleep on the job or spend all day doing crossword puzzles (looking at you, Fred from the mall security desk).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s like a bouncer for your computer \u2013 keeping out the riffraff while letting the good stuff through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covering your webcam is like wearing pants during a video call \u2013 it’s just a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it won’t solve all your privacy concerns, it’s an easy first step toward better security. And unlike pants, you only have to put it on once!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember:<\/strong> Even Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook guy who probably knows more about privacy<\/a> invasion than anyone, covers his webcam. However, in his case, he probably uses a solid gold cover made from melted-down smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make sure my webcam is covered before I practice my new Elvis\/Michael Jackson fusion dance routine. Some things are better left unseen.<\/p>\n\n
Why a Webcam Cover Works (Tape Isn\u2019t Just for Fixing Everything!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your Options for Covering Up (Webcam Edition)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Store-Bought Solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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DIY Solutions (For When You Don’t Want to Spend Your Bingo Winnings)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Choose the Right Cover (Because Size Matters\u2026 At Least in This Case \ud83d\ude01)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Check Who’s Been Peeking (Device-Specific Instructions)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Webcam Covers Can’t Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Essential Security Steps Beyond the Cover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Keep Your Computer Updated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Use Antivirus Software<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Check App Permissions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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4. Enable Your Firewall<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
An Easy First Step Toward Better Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n