PSA: FBI recommends you tape over your webcam's lens

[kenny]

Both the director of the FBI and Mark Zuckerburg tape over theirs.
I reckon they know a thing or two.

https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/23/the-fbi-recommends-you-cover-your-laptops-webcam-good-reasons/?sr_source=Twitter

 

[distracts]

My husband recently gave me one of these, which is basically a little plastic sticky thing with a bit that slides open or shut, to put over my webcam: https://www.amazon.com/Family-Pack-3-1-0-Black/dp/B00HPC66U4/

 

[lyra]

Mine is less fancy. Some bit of green painter's tape I had. It's held up for years. I've felt so paranoid using it, but I guess it's not a bad idea.

 

[AnnaH]

What about the disagreement over internet governance? I'm asking because I don't know what to think. I think it goes into effect end of the month.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/8/cruz-proposes-bill-keep-us-giving-internet-governa/

 

[azstonie]

I've done this for years, heard about it on tv.

 

[lambskin]

A Post It note cut down to size works too. I heard that TVs also have cameras and microphones built in. I wonder about OnStar microphones in cars as well. Yeah I may be paranoid but one never knows.....

 

[missy]

I did this a while ago and I think it was based on another PSers rec but I am not positive. Anyway I used a low tech solution and not sure what it is called but it is a fuzzy small sticky square my dh made to fit over the webcam lens on my apple air and my iPad. Easy peasy and inexpensive. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for the reminder Kenny for those of us who haven't done this yet.

 

[Rockinruby]

I've used a cut down post it for years. It works great! I even have two layered on my laptop, but I'm totally not paranoid!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[telephone89]

I've done this for a while, and people always used to make fun of me haha.

I started doing it because I was at my ILs house, and they have a facial recognition computer, so you can sit in front of the screen, it recognizes you and unlocks it. It only does this if you press a button though. One time I was sitting on their sofa, within viewing distance of the cpu and it turned on and started trying to scan me. It was so creepy! They always wondered why there was a sticky over the camera haha.

 

[monarch64]

I've used a cut down post it for years. It works great! I even have two layered on my laptop, but I'm totally not paranoid!

Thanks for sharing!

I feel like tinfoil is also necessary.

 

[kenny]

I've used a cut down post it for years. It works great! I even have two layered on my laptop, but I'm totally not paranoid!

Thanks for sharing!

I feel like tinfoil is also necessary.

Mon, is this you?

 

[asscherisme]

I've done this for a while, and people always used to make fun of me haha.

I started doing it because I was at my ILs house, and they have a facial recognition computer, so you can sit in front of the screen, it recognizes you and unlocks it. It only does this if you press a button though. One time I was sitting on their sofa, within viewing distance of the cpu and it turned on and started trying to scan me. It was so creepy! They always wondered why there was a sticky over the camera haha.

I have done this for years and insisted my kids do it too. I was made fun off too. Now I feel validated! I use a sticky note cut down but its kind of a pain because I remove it to skype my son who is at college. I like the slide things, I'll have to look into it.

 

[Rockinruby]

I've used a cut down post it for years. It works great! I even have two layered on my laptop, but I'm totally not paranoid!

Thanks for sharing!

I feel like tinfoil is also necessary.

Agreed! I like the way you think!

 

[jordyonbass]

I've never bothered; if someone hacks my computer's webcam when I am not wearing any clothes, then I believe the vision they will get of my hairy backside will be more than enough punishment for the crime

 

[missy]

I've never bothered; if someone hacks my computer's webcam when I am not wearing any clothes, then I believe the vision they will get of my hairy backside will be more than enough punishment for the crime

 

[madelise]

My husband works forensics/security. He also advises covering your microphone area with tape.

 

[monarch64]

I've used a cut down post it for years. It works great! I even have two layered on my laptop, but I'm totally not paranoid!

Thanks for sharing!

I feel like tinfoil is also necessary.

Mon, is this you?

Omg! STOP SPYING ON ME KENNY!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have mine covered, too. I cut a little circle from blue painters tape. I can't even tell where the microphone is. Although, I am usually not talking to my computer.