And one for your phone, too!
Do you have a camera cover for your computer? What about your phone?
If your immediate thought is “Only people who also wear tin-foil hats have camera covers!” you’re in for a treat on this one!
Phone and laptop camera covers are important items to add to your security control list. Fortunately, they’re very affordable (more on that later!). Of course, you might be wondering why someone would want to hack your camera.
If someone accesses your laptop or phone camera, they could steal:
- Visual Information: If someone can see your physical appearance and your office, they can likely determine your location, daily routines, and activities… which are not pleasant things for a thief of any type to know.
- Private Information: Unauthorized access to the camera can lead to capturing personal moments, which can be used for blackmail and public embarrassment.
- Relationship Information: By observing interactions with family members, friends, or colleagues, hackers gain insight into personal and professional relationships. This makes social engineering even easier for them!
Bad actors can hack cameras through various methods, often through malware and spyware, sending phishing links, and exploiting software vulnerabilities. Trojans and RATs (Remote Access Trojans), for example, are malware disguised as legitimate programs. Once installed, the hacker gains access to multiple controls, including the phone or laptop camera. Malware is often clicked on in phishing emails and messages, in link or attachment form. So, if you’re interested in cutting down the chances of your personally identifiable information being stolen, here are three approaches you can take:
1. Update Software ASAP!
Updating your software and operating systems is essential. As soon as that Mac or Windows reminder hits you, go ahead and get on board (go take a coffee break while you’re at it!) Many cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
2. Think Twice Before Clicking.
The danger of absentminded scrolling or email checking is clicking a malicious link or downloading an attachment full of malware. So take a breath and be wary of emails or messages prompting you to install software or provide personal information.
3. Get Physical Camera Covers!
Sometimes, simple is best! A camera cover for your computer and phone is an inexpensive, easy way to ensure your camera isn’t being used without your knowledge.
What’s the investment?
Often a pack of several covers will cost five or 10 dollars, or you can use something you have lying around the house! We recommend painter’s tape or a Post-it note to keep the residue down to a minimum.
Bear in mind a camera cover is a “last resort” defensive tool; strong cybersecurity helps prevent camera access in the first place. At Stratti, we promise to meet you where you are.
So if you’ve got your camera covered but need some assistance tackling other security measures, grab additional actionable tips by signing up to our newsletter!
