What Cameras?

Hi from Glenn!

There is one privacy step that all security experts agree on; the need to cover the cameras on your computers and devices.

Another person who agrees is former FBI director James Comey, who recommended that we all cover our webcams with tape for security reasons. Comey believes that doing so is a simple step for people to “take responsibility for their own safety and security.” Mark Zuckerberg also covers his webcam, as does Edward Snowden.

An article in Engadget said this, “Aside from institutional malfeasance, there’s been a thriving black market for compromised webcams and the video or photos they can produce — for many years. A clearly startled 2013 BBC reporter claimed the going price for access to a woman’s webcam was priced at $1 per girl, whereas computer webcams belonging to men cost $1 — for one hundred. And even then, three years ago, it was old news. The programs that capture images, take videos and record audio are not expensive, and they do their jobs surreptitiously by overriding the “record” light so victims don’t know they’re being spied on.“

Yes, this is a real threat to your privacy.

TODAY I HAVE TWO TASKS FOR YOU…

For today’s task I FIRST want you to go around your house and determine how many cameras are inside your home. This includes all the cell phones, smart TVs, computers, baby monitors and even security systems. Write down how many there are, where they are, and whether they are connected to the internet or not.

Do you want these cameras watching you? Would you want them pointing at you if you knew that someone could be watching what you do, and recording you?

Yes, cameras can be turned on and be used to watch you. The FBI issued a warning recently that said…

“Smart TVs are called that because they connect to the Internet… A number of the newer TV’s also have built-in cameras. In some cases, the cameras are used for facial recognition so the TV knows who is watching and can suggest programming appropriately… Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home. A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router… In a worst-case scenario, they can turn on your bedroom TV’s camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you.”

NEXT, let’s cover those cameras. I’ve bought many different types of camera covers over the years, but I’m not really a fan of many except this one. But, even this one I only like for my laptop. It doesn’t work well for my phone because it keeps popping off and getting lost.

I also don’t like using masking tape, because it’s translucent at best. I did find this tape though, and this good instructional video on how to use the tape. This is a good, cheap option.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. Also, when you are done with this task, comment “Done” in the comments.

Here’s a FAQ video I created based on many of the questions I’ve received…