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Enhancing Security with HP’s Webcam Privacy Shutter
Harry Stewart
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February 7, 2024
Cyber-crooks infiltrate their prey in many ways, from Trojans to malware and phishing attacks. One terrifying vulnerability is the tiny little lens above your screen. An astute hacker can access your webcam by worming into an out-of-date operating system or penetrating camera-enabled apps.
Sound a tad paranoid? Webcam hacking, or camfecting, is a real and present threat. Just ask Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, who famously taped over his webcam in 2016. Thankfully, however, there’s now a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to masking tape: the HP Webcam Privacy Shutter.
In this post, we’ll explain the importance of webcam privacy, how hackers can access your camera, and provide tips on protecting yourself. We’ll then present the HP Webcam Privacy Shutter, including its benefits and a run-down of how the technology works.
Why webcam privacy is important
What’s the worst that could happen if a criminal accesses your webcam? They probably won’t sit around all day watching you iron your clothes.
Unfortunately, ordinary people are vulnerable to blackmail when caught in compromising positions. All the hacker has to do is record you dancing in your tighty-whities (or another embarrassing scenario). Then, they can threaten to send the footage to your contacts if you don’t pay a hefty ransom. A bad actor who can hack your webcam can also find your friends, family, and co-workers through networks like Facebook and LinkedIn.
Professionals working with sensitive information, such as high-ranking civil servants or private sector executives, must also watch out for spying and espionage. Webcam hackers can snoop on Zoom calls or in-person discussions to extract classified information and obtain a competitive edge.
Statistics on the prevalence of "camfecting" are hard to find. That’s probably because most victims never knew they were being recorded or felt too embarrassed to report it. Nonetheless, media reports suggest camfecting isn’t uncommon.
How hackers gain access to your webcam
Understanding how hackers can access your webcam helps protect you against prying eyes. Out-dated operating systems are a favourite entry point among would-be hackers. Most Windows updates include patches to fix known security vulnerabilities. The longer you leave your operating system out of date, the more susceptible you’ll become.
Camera-enabled apps can also let creepy cybercriminals snoop on your webcam. Whenever you give an app permission to access your camera, you’re putting a lot of trust in its security protocols. Some software developers care more about security than others, so it’s worth being selective with permissions.
Worse yet, some apps solely exist to hack your webcam. Malicious malware often comes disguised as a legitimate-looking application.
Finally, a Remote Administration Tool (RAT), such as a Trojan virus, lets a hacker gain control of an entire computer. All the victim has to do is open an infected file from an email attachment, online download, or storage drive.
How to protect your webcam against hackers
As we can see, cybercriminals have an arsenal of crafty tricks to infiltrate your webcam. The good news is there’s a myriad of protective measures you can take to ward off voyeurs. Most of these tips are common cyber-security best practices; you should follow them anyway.
- Update your software: Turn on auto-updates for your operating system and software, especially applications that require camera access.
- Be selective with permissions: Only grant camera permissions to well-established, trustworthy apps.
- Download carefully: Double-check email attachments and applications come from trusted sources. Avoid downloading programs from peer-to-peer networks or third-party sites.
- Don’t click suspicious links: Clicking on a genuine-looking link can quietly install malware in the background. Treat all inbound links (like email or SMS) with suspicion.
- Use strong passports: Avoid using the same password for multiple applications, as a single data leak leaves all your accounts vulnerable to attack.
- Remember to log out: Sign out of your account once you’re done using a service. Idle data transfer sessions increase the likelihood of an attack.
- Scan for viruses: Ensure your anti-virus software remains up to date and schedule frequent automated scans.
- Consider proxy servers and VPNs: These added security measures can help keep your computer safe from various online threats.
- Purge unused apps: The more random programs you install, the more likely one will contain nasty malware. Deleting unused apps mitigates the risk.
- Shut your computer down: A hacker could still access your webcam while the PC is in sleep or hibernation mode. Shutting your laptop down (and closing the cover) provides complete protection.
- Consider third-party apps: Programs such as Process Explorer and Who Stalks My Camera provide information regarding illicit intrusions and apps requesting webcam access.
- Monitor your webcam light: A small coloured bulb illuminates when your webcam starts recording. If you haven’t switched on your camera, there’s a good chance you’re being watched. However, some of the most sophisticated hacks can disable this feature.
- Use a laptop webcam privacy shutter: A physical privacy shutter is the only surefire way to shield yourself from unwanted eyes while using an internet-connected laptop.
How HP’s Webcam Privacy Shutter thwarts prying eyes
The HP Webcam Privacy Shutter is a simple yet effective way to stop hackers from tuning in. Simply slide open the shutter when you need to make a video call, and then slide it back once done.
As the shutter is a physical device operated by hand rather than software, it is impossible for bad actors to bypass it. This unhackable nature makes it the only 100% reliable method for preventing unauthorised webcam access. It’s super easy to use, too. This YouTube video provides a simple, step-by-step tutorial on how to operate the HP Webcam Privacy Shutter.
Note the shutter doesn’t cover your laptop’s microphone. Therefore, it’s still possible for hackers to listen in on your private conversations. Adopting the best practices listed above can mitigate the risk.
Many laptops don’t come with a privacy cover for the webcam. In this situation, you could consider disabling the webcam and plugging in a shutter-enabled camera, such as the HP 325 FHD Webcam. This secure, easy-to-operate accessory is a great option for desktop users as well.
The benefits of HP Webcam Privacy Shutter
The HP Webcam Privacy Shutter entails a plethora of enticing benefits:
- User-friendly: All the user has to do is slide the shutter over. No need to fiddle around with software or drivers.
- Impossible to hack: As there’s no software involved, the device is 100% unhackable.
- Peace of mind: Because the shutter cannot be compromised, you can rest assured nobody will view or record you.
- Cost-effective: A privacy shutter is a simple, easy-to-implement feature that doesn’t add much to the cost of a laptop.
Secure Webcam Privacy Shutter-enabled laptops from HP
You’re up to speed on what a webcam privacy cover is and how it works. Now, let’s look at three shutter-enabled laptops available in the UK.
HP EliteBook 1040 G10
An enticing option for on-the-go executives, the HP EliteBook 1040 G10 bundles top-end specs into a petite, 14-inch package. A 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 and 32GB RAM gives you plenty of power to handle complex tasks, even while multi-tasking.
Weighing a meagre 1.19 kg, this portable little unit is ideal for hybrid workers and business travel. Near-eternal battery life comes courtesy of a 51Wh Li-ion battery.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 1355U (13th Generation)
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 35.6 cm (14”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Graphics: Intel Iris® Xe Graphics
HP Dragonfly G4
Starting at just 0.99 kg, the HP Dragonfly G4 is an ultraportable 13.5-inch laptop that’s become a hit among hybrid professionals in the UK. Aside from its industry-leading portability, the lightweight device packs a punch in the power stakes with a late-gen i7 and 16GB RAM.
Online collaboration is easy thanks to the 5MP, 88-degree field of view camera with auto frame technology. Slide over the privacy shutter once you’ve terminated your conference call.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 1355U (13th Generation)
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 34.3 cm (13.5”), WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280), touch screen
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
HP ZBook Firefly G10
Stretching 16 inches, this capable mobile workstation is a popular mid-range option. Impressive specs, a plethora of ports, and high-speed SSD storage make it a cut above the rest. The ZBook Firefly G10 is durable, too, with a spill-resistant keyboard and a MIL-STD 810H-tested chassis.
In addition to the privacy shutter, security features like HP Sure Start and HP Wolf Security for Business help safeguard your data and identity.
- Processor: Intel Core i5 1340P (13th Generation)
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 40.6 cm (16”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Summary
An unshuttered webcam leaves you vulnerable to blackmail and corporate espionage. While cyber-security best practices will mitigate the risk, they don’t offer 100% protection.
The only surefire way to avoid unwanted eyes is to invest in a laptop with an in-built privacy shutter. Sliding the physical shutter over the camera after each call makes it impossible for a hacker to watch or record you.
HP incorporates a user-friendly privacy shutter with many of our top business laptops, including the abovementioned devices. To see what other options are available, browse the HP UK Store.
