How to Cover Your Computer's Webcam

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Get privacy and peace of mind with these simple hacks
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You may be familiar with some popular tall tales about malicious internet villains hacking into webcams and violating a person’s privacy. Although these stories are definitely exaggerated in movies and television, there are potential risks to leaving your computer camera exposed all the time, like malware attacks. [1] You also may want to cover your webcam if you work remotely or are often on Zoom or Skype video calls and want to avoid accidentally showing your surroundings in a meeting. Thankfully, it takes less than a minute to cover your webcam and protect your privacy.

Section 1 of 2:

At-Home Fixes

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    Stick a strip of clear tape over your webcam, which provides a good barrier between you and your camera. It's not as dark as some other options, but if you need a quick fix, regular tape can obscure your surroundings enough so peeping toms can't see what you're doing. [2]
    • This option is great for any person who doesn’t want to make it obvious that they’re covering their camera.
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    Shop online for washi tape, a special kind of tape that’s printed with cute, decorative designs. Rip off a section of this tape and place it over your webcam cover as a fun alternative to traditional tape. [3]
    • Washi tape comes off easily whenever you need to use your camera.
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    Search online or in a craft store for a sheet of adorable stickers. Peel off the cute design and place it on your webcam as a cute, protective layer. Keep this sticker on for as long as you’d like, or until it starts peeling off. [4]
    • Look for stickers with a darker base. If your stickers are too light or see-through, they may not obscure everything in your room or workspace.
    • Most stickers will leave behind a residue, so make sure you remove the sticker slowly if you need to take it off.
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    If you’re in a rush, a post-it can get the job done as an impromptu webcam cover. [5] Unfortunately, post-its likely won’t stick to your camera for very long, which will leave you vulnerable again.
    • Post-its can also leave a gunky residue on the surface of the lens.
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    Rip off a small section of tape and center it over your camera. This sturdy, dark-colored tape will block out any peeping eyes from your webcam, and is a very inexpensive to keep yourself safe and secure while you’re on the computer. [6]
    • Keep in mind that duct tape will leave a gunky residue on your camera for quite a bit, which isn’t ideal if you’re hoping to use your camera again. [7] It may even damage your webcam, so try a different method before using this one.
    • Painter’s tape is a great alternative if you don’t want to leave a lot of residue on your camera. [8]
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Section 2 of 2:

Store-Bought Products

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    Search online for webcam slides, which attach directly to the top of your laptop or computer. You can even get cute or customized webcam slides. When you’re using your camera, slide the cover tab away from the camera, so others can see you. If you’re feeling extra cautious, slide the tab over your camera to completely cover your lens. [9]
    • Double-check the product description to make sure it’ll fit on your exact camera.
    • While these products are created to stick on to your webcam, they may leave a residue once you remove them. Look for a product that says it is removable or doesn't leave a residue. Better yet, look for a slide that is magnetic that will stick to the magnets on your laptop lid.
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    Center this cover over your camera, which will block it off completely. If you need to use your webcam, it removes easily and can be replaced, as it's made out of a material that suctions to your device rather than sticks with adhesive. [10]
    • You can find this type of cover online. It’s typically sold by the Colampra brand.
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      Tips

      • Look into putting a privacy shield on your laptop, computer or tablet. These force your device to point in a single direction, and make it difficult for hackers or peeping toms to get a good look at your surroundings. [11]
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      • Download anti-virus software on your devices so you won’t be as prone to hacks. [12]
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      • Keep all your devices updated to protect yourself from hacks. [13]
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      Warnings

      • Be aware that the webcam cover will only hide the camera, and doesn't block your computer's microphone from picking up words that you say.
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      • You may want to choose a less obvious cover if you plan on using your computer in public. For instance, duct tape doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing on your computer, and may make you look a bit paranoid. [14]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/technology/personaltech/mark-zuckerberg-covers-his-laptop-camera-you-should-consider-it-too.html
      2. ↑ https://slate.com/technology/2016/09/the-best-ways-to-cover-a-webcam.html
      3. ↑ https://slate.com/technology/2016/09/the-best-ways-to-cover-a-webcam.html
      4. ↑ https://slate.com/technology/2016/09/the-best-ways-to-cover-a-webcam.html
      5. ↑ https://spy-fy.com/why-its-a-good-idea-to-use-a-webcam-cover/
      6. ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/12/the-latest-weapon-in-your-battle-for-online-privacy-duct-tape/282521/
      7. ↑ https://slate.com/technology/2016/09/the-best-ways-to-cover-a-webcam.html
      8. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/physical-security-measures/
      9. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2020/04/30/in-the-zoom-era-heres-why-i-always-use-a-webcam-cover/
      1. ↑ https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-webcam-covers
      2. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/physical-security-measures/
      3. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/technology/personaltech/mark-zuckerberg-covers-his-laptop-camera-you-should-consider-it-too.html
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/technology/personaltech/mark-zuckerberg-covers-his-laptop-camera-you-should-consider-it-too.html
      5. ↑ https://slate.com/technology/2016/09/the-best-ways-to-cover-a-webcam.html

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