FBI exec urges users to cover up laptop webcams with tape

Not everybody uses their laptop webcams all the time so during off days, it would be advisable to tape them over in case a hacker on the other side decides to take a peek. Image INQUIRER.net

These days cybersecurity is no longer just a must for big companies and high-profile individuals. Because of this, FBI’s director is urging people to take precautions and cover up their laptop webcams to prevent spying.

FBI Director James Comey spoke in a conference at the Center of Strategic and International Studies recently where he mentioned shielding the webcam on his personal laptop with a piece of tape, reports TechRadar.

Not too long ago, a photo of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that not only has he taped his webcam but the laptop’s microphone as well.

Scary as it may sound, it has become increasingly easy for hackers to hijack onboard webcams and microphones in laptops to spy on their users while they are connected to a network.

Director Comey admitted that he knew he was being mocked for revealing his precautions at the time, but he’s not stepping back from his advice. He compares taping webcams as a security measure similar to locking car doors.

A piece of tape might be a little too crude for those who own nice-looking laptops, so perhaps a sticker of one’s favorite anime or cartoon character would be preferable.  Alfred Bayle