In a world where privacy is becoming more of a luxury, many users are trying to protect themselves from potential online surveillance. The most common way is to cover up their laptop's camera. But most people are still happy to use their smartphones with the lens exposed. Why is that, and are laptops really more dangerous?
Laptop camera: a permanent “window into the home”
Covering your webcam is a simple and effective way to protect yourself from surveillance. Hackers have repeatedly gained access to users' cameras through Trojans, phishing emails, or system vulnerabilities, filming people without their knowledge.
Cybersecurity experts explain that laptops are often located in bedrooms or living rooms - private places, making them attractive targets for attackers. The camera looks in one direction, allowing for surveillance even without the device moving.
That is why even IT company executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, do not neglect this simple protection - they tape over the cameras and microphones on their laptops.
Smartphone seems safer
Unlike a laptop, a smartphone is not always in a fixed position - it is in a pocket, bag or simply lying face down. This reduces the risk of constant surveillance.
In addition, modern operating systems Android and iOS have a complex permission system: applications cannot use the camera without your consent. Although experts warn that this does not provide a complete guarantee.
"The risk of a smartphone camera being hacked is lower, but possible. If infected with spyware, you may notice increased battery or mobile data consumption," explains ESET Ukraine analyst Dmytro Gorobets.
The microphone is a weak point that is difficult to muffle
It's useless to physically tape the microphone: even through a layer of adhesive tape, it partially transmits sound. And in a smartphone, this is completely impossible - blocking the microphone will deprive the device of its main communication function.
How Ukrainians react
According to the Cyber Police of Ukraine, over 60% of Ukrainians believe that their privacy is under threat, but only 10% actually use physical methods of protection. After the pandemic and mass cases of webcam video leaks, interest in digital security has increased.
Ukrainian companies advise users to check application permissions, not leave a laptop with the camera turned on unattended, and install curtains, which are now offered by many laptop manufacturers.
How to protect yourself
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Close the camera if you are not using it constantly.
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Check the permissions of apps on your smartphone.
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Do not download suspicious programs.
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Use antivirus and two-factor authentication.
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If the camera or microphone activates on its own, this is a danger signal.
Covering your camera isn't paranoia, it's a smart habit in this age of digital transparency. Smartphones have better security, but the risk of hacking is never zero. So physically covering your camera is a simple but effective step towards your own cybersecurity.
