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Original poster

To think covering your work laptop camera is just paranoia?

163 replies

TealDreamer · 14/03/2025 16:49

My friend always puts sellotape over her work laptop camera when she’s not using it or in meetings. I used to think this was a bit much but I’ve just discovered my own work laptop actually has a built-in shutter for the camera - so clearly, even manufacturers acknowledge there might be a reason to cover it.

She insists it’s because “you never know who’s watching,” and while I don’t fully buy into the idea that someone is spying on us all the time, I do wonder if there’s any real risk.

AIBU to think this is just a conspiracy theory or is it actually sensible to cover your webcam when not in use? Do you do it?

OP posts:
Rummly · 14/03/2025 17:45

There’s usually a light that shows when the camera’s operating, isn’t there? There is on mine.

Chaseandstatus · 14/03/2025 17:45

I don’t bother, I have enough post it notes without an extra one fluttering about when I don’t need it. My daughter tapes over hers which I find amusing in a way. I don’t think either of us are of the slightest interest to hackers.

Doggymummar · 14/03/2025 17:45

It's the microphone I would be worried about. Im more likely to be moaning about work than running around naked ( for example)

PrettayGood · 14/03/2025 17:43

I used to have a colleague that always has a bit of a post-it over his camera. I always thought it oddly paranoid.

Kissedbyfire1 · 14/03/2025 17:43

Mark Zuckerberg covers his with a bit of tape. Make of that what you will.

Snorlaxo · 14/03/2025 17:42

A lot of people started covering after an interview with Mark Zuckerberg showed his laptop with the camera covered.

ItGhoul · 14/03/2025 17:41

I really couldn't give a shit about this. In the vastly unlikely event that my work laptop's webcam was hacked, all anyone would see while I'm working would be me sitting here typing in a box room. And when I'm not using my laptop, it's closed, so they'd see nothing.

OddBoots · 14/03/2025 16:59

Mine didn't come with a cover but you can buy sliding covers that stick on so I got one. I don't tend to use it but I like knowing it is an option.

lostintherainyday · 14/03/2025 16:59

I have a little sliding cover on mine, but it’s mostly so that I don’t ever make the mistake of thinking I have left my camera off on a meeting, but having it on by mistake.

Still slightly traumatised by the meeting where someone took us all to the loo with her by mistake.

WhatsTheMatterDavid · 14/03/2025 16:58

I always shut mine with the built in shutter unless I'm in a camera on meeting. Don't particularly think my workplace is spying on me but this way I know I'm not accidently going to a meeting camera on and unprepared in my dressing gown 😂.

(I do get dressed and make up on even for WFM but normally have another layer on for warmth which is then whipped off for meetings.)

Screamingabdabz · 14/03/2025 16:52

I put a post-it over mine. It probably is paranoia but it’s a small thing that makes me feel more comfortable wfh.

Talipesmum · 14/03/2025 16:51

I don’t bother tbh but it is something you should do in general. Our company had IT / cyber safety sessions and the guy was talking about how easy it is to hack into webcams. It’s definitely a legit piece of advice, but probably one not many people bother about.

holdingmybaby · 14/03/2025 16:51

Umm I’m on mat leave but I’d have mine covered unless in meetings. Couldn’t say why.

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