What are the risks?
If you leave your webcam uncovered you are potentially installing a surveillance camera in your home or office. As with all computer technology, cyber-attackers have been hacking webcams via vulnerabilities or malware since their invention. Criminals use the footage to extort money from users often demanding payment in crypto-currencies as these are hard to trace. Attacks are becoming increasingly lucrative so we are seeing them happen more and more.
If your device has a built-in webcam then you can’t physically unplug the camera when you’re not using it. In these circumstances the next best option is to use a webcam cover.
Why should you use a webcam cover?
Using a webcam cover:
• Protects your privacy
• Reduces the risk of being a victim of bribery or blackmail
• Provides a cost effective way to reduce risks
• Is easy: just slide it over the webcam lens
Physically covering your webcam is a security measure recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre in their video conferencing guidance for organisations.
If your webcam were to be compromised you could become the victim of a personal data breach and/or phishing incident. Visit these links to ensure you understand both of the topics and you know how to report incidents where sensitive and/or personal data may have been seen by unintended recipients.
To find out more about the Assurance Directorate please visit our homepage. From there you will be able to find out about the main teams which make up the Directorate and details of the guidance and services each team provide to staff throughout the collegiate University.
