You've seen them on coworkers' laptops and in photos of tech executives' desks: a little cover over the webcam. Smart or paranoid? The short answer: it's a cheap, sensible extra layer, as long as it isn't your only one.
How a camera could turn on without you knowing
The usual way in is malware: a bad download or email attachment that gives a stranger remote control of the computer, including the camera. Most laptops light up a small indicator when the camera is on, but researchers at Johns Hopkins University showed that on some computers, where software controls that light, an attacker could switch it off. A physical cover doesn't depend on any of that. If the lens is covered, there's nothing to see.
What a cover can't do
A webcam cover doesn't stop malware. Someone who gets into a computer could still read files or listen through the microphone. Mozilla's privacy team makes a fair point that a cover is no substitute for the basics, so start there:
- Keep automatic updates on for your computer and apps.
- Install software only from trusted sources, and be wary of unexpected links and attachments.
- Use strong, unique passwords and two-step verification, including on your Wi-Fi router. Our guide 5 Things to Do This Weekend walks through it.
- Check which apps have camera and microphone permission in your settings, and turn off any you don't recognize.
A note for MacBook owners
Apple says MacBooks have very little space between the screen and keyboard, and closing the lid with a camera cover on can damage the display. Apple recommends any cover be thinner than 0.1mm, and notes that the camera can't turn on without its green light coming on too. If you use a cover on a MacBook, take it off before you close the lid, or use it on an external webcam, desktop monitor or tablet instead.
Don't forget the microphone
A camera cover does nothing for the microphone, and laptops don't have a hardware light that shows when the mic is on. Newer software helps: since iOS 14, iPhones show an orange dot when the microphone is in use and a green dot for the camera, and pulling down Control Center shows which app used it. Recent versions of Android, macOS and Windows 11 show similar on-screen indicators. It's worth a glance now and then.
For times you want to be sure nothing is listening, like private conversations at home or confidential calls, a microphone blocker is the physical fix. Mic-Lock plugs into your device's headphone jack, USB-C or Lightning port. Your device treats it as the microphone, so any app trying to listen hears an empty room instead. SoundPass versions still let you use 3.5mm headphones or speakers. Tip: after plugging one in, record a quick voice memo to confirm it's working on your device.
Pick the right gear
- Webcam Cover: soft microfiber front with a reusable micro-suction backing. Rinse with water to refresh it. Good for laptops, desktop monitors and external webcams.
- Mini Webcam Cover: 20% smaller, sized for phones, tablets and laptops.
- Mic-Lock 3.5mm SoundPass for devices with a headphone jack, Mic-Lock USB-C SoundPass for newer phones and laptops, and Mic-Lock Lightning SoundPass for iPhone 14 and earlier.
- Want it all in one? The Apple and Android Privacy Bundles include microphone blockers, webcam covers, Secure Chargers and a Faraday bag.
Shop the gear mentioned here
- Computer Security: webcam covers, microphone blockers and security keys
- Phone Security: phone microphone blockers, privacy bundles and Faraday bags
Sources: Christian Science Monitor, "Why you should cover your webcam" (on Johns Hopkins research); Mozilla, "Should you cover your webcam?"; iMore, "Apple warns customers camera covers can damage MacBook displays"; 9to5Mac, "iOS 14: What do the orange and green dots in the status bar mean?"; Adobe, "Privacy features for audio devices on macOS 12 and Windows 11".