Your Computer is Watching You (And 6 Ways You Can Make It Stop)

If you’re reading this on a laptop right now, I want you to do something for me: Look up at that tiny black dot above your screen.

Go ahead, I’ll wait.

That innocent-looking little circle is actually a camera. And right now it could be watching you pick your nose, dance like Elvis, or realize in horror that you’re still wearing your breakfast.

Why You Should Care About Webcam Privacy (Even If You’re Not a Secret Agent)

Even scarier? That little camera can be turned on without the telltale light coming on.

And hackers can hijack it to spy on you, collect personal information, or even pull off blackmail schemes.

No, they probably don’t care about your 17th attempt at banana bread. But if they catch you singing karaoke to yourself at 2 p.m., that’s gold for a scammer.

Here’s what hackers can do by accessing your webcamA webcam is a small camera device that captures video and sometimes audio, allowing users to engage ... More:

Steal Personal Info: Imagine they overhear you reading out your credit card number to buy something online. (Hackers love a good online shopping spree. Sadly, they rarely order anything nice for you.)
Blackmail: Let’s say they record a particularly unflattering angle of you yawning—or worse, dancing in your Elvis garb. Now you’re suddenly in the starring role of Pay Me or Else.
Plan a Robbery: They could figure out your schedule—when you’re out of the house—and even scout your home’s layout through the webcam. Creepy, right?

Why a Webcam Cover Works (Tape Isn’t Just for Fixing Everything!)

Webcam covers are the simplest, most effective way to keep digital Peeping Toms at bay.

They physically block your camera. So even if some hacker gets access, all they’ll see is a nice black rectangle—or the back of a sticky note, if you’re into DIY solutions.

Your Options for Covering Up (Webcam Edition)

You can buy a webcam cover or just use a piece of tape

There is no shortage of options out there for covering up your webcam. Let’s take a look at them…

Store-Bought Solutions

Sliding Covers: These fancy little gadgets attach to your laptop and slide open when needed. Think of them as mini-blinds for your computer’s eye. They’re perfect if you want to feel tech-savvy and impress the grandkids.
Stick-On Shutters: These attach permanently but can be lifted when needed. They’re like those peel-and-stick wall hooks, except they won’t fall off in the middle of the night and scare you half to death.
Built-in Covers: Some newer laptops come with their own covers. If you’ve got one of these, congratulations! You’re already living in the future. Now if they could just make a laptop that explains why your printer only works when Mercury is in retrograde.

DIY Solutions (For When You Don’t Want to Spend Your Bingo Winnings)

You don’t have to take a trip to the store (or, more likely, search on Amazon) for webcam covers. You probably have some great solutions lying around your house right now! These include:

A Small Piece of Regular Tape: The minimalist approach. And the one I personally use. Just avoid using duct tape unless you want your webcam to look like your dropped a melted marshmallow on it. I prefer a small piece of black electrical tape.
Post-it Notes: The classic solution. Just make sure it’s not the one with your neighbor’s phone number on it.
Washi Tape: It’s like regular tape but prettier. Because if you’re going to cover your camera, you might as well do it with style!

How to Choose the Right Cover (Because Size Matters… At Least in This Case 😁)

When selecting your webcam cover, keep these tips in mind:

Make sure it’s thin enough that your laptop can still close properly. (Your computer isn’t doing resistance training!)
Avoid anything that leaves sticky residue.
Pick something easily removable for when you actually want to use the camera. Those video calls with the grandkids are important!

How to Check Who’s Been Peeking (Device-Specific Instructions)

(Note: Tech companies love rearranging things. If the instructions below aren’t exact, the tech fairies have probably moved things around. Try searching for the setting on your device. If that doesn’t 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.)

Worried your camera’s already been hijacked? Here’s how to check:

For WindowsWindows is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation, designed to provide a ... More Users

Press the Windows key + I (it’s like a secret handshake for your computer)
Click “Privacy & Security” (don’t worry, no secret passwords required)
Select “Camera”
Look under “Recent Activity” to see which apps have been camera-snooping

For MacA Mac, short for Macintosh, is a line of personal computers developed by Apple Inc. Renowned for the... More Users

Look for a green dot next to the Control Center iconAn icon is a small graphical symbol used to represent an object, action, or concept in a digital int... More in the menu bar
If it’s on when you’re not using your camera, either you’re unknowingly starring in a reality show, or something’s wrong

For iPad and iPhone Users

Watch for a green dot (camera) or orange dot (microphone) at the top of your screen
Swipe down from the top-right corner to see which appAn app (short for application) is a program that helps you do specific tasks on your smartphone, tab... More is being nosy

What Webcam Covers Can’t Do

Let’s be clear: a webcam cover isn’t a digital Superman.

It won’t 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.

It also can’t prevent other types of hacking.

And, perhaps most disappointing, it won’t make you look younger in video calls (for that, you’ll need good lighting… and possibly a miracle 😜).

Essential Security Steps Beyond the Cover

Now feels like a good time to remind you of some best practices for your computer’s security. These things will go a long way to keep your camera – or any other part of your computer – from being hacked.

1. Keep Your Computer Updated

Yes, those annoying update notifications are actually important. Think of them as vitamins for your computer – they might be annoying, but they’re good for you.

2. Use Antivirus Software

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).

3. Check App Permissions

Go to your device’s settings
Look for app permissions or privacy settings
Review which apps have camera access
If your calculator app wants camera access, it’s probably up to no good

4. Enable Your Firewall

It’s like a bouncer for your computer – keeping out the riffraff while letting the good stuff through.

An Easy First Step Toward Better Security

Covering your webcam is like wearing pants during a video call – it’s just a good idea.

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!

Remember: Even Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook guy who probably knows more about privacy invasion than anyone, covers his webcam. However, in his case, he probably uses a solid gold cover made from melted-down smartphones.

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.