zlacker

How stupid do you have to be to doubt the security of your laptop enough to put tape over your webcam, but not enough to stop using it all together. If you are concerned that your laptop might be compromised, then you should stop using it. If hackers have access to your webcam, they most certainly also have access to your keyboard, mic, and every file on your system as well. So, what you are basically saying to the world is you don't care enough about your personal communication, files, and speech to properly secure your laptop, but by god, no one shall see you in front of your laptop. It's like sitting in a car that's on fire and saying to your self: "I know, I'll turn on the air con!"

>>x0054+(OP)
"Stop using it altogether" isn't a viable option, because it's not this particular laptop whose security is questionable, it's every laptop.

>>leeree+f
That may be true, but again, what do you care about more, your files and key strokes, or your webcam. If you have tape over your webcam but you still use online banking, you are a fucking idiot. You either have faith in the security of your computer, and log into your bank (risking hackers stealing all your money) or you don't. But if you don't think twice about saying anything you want in front of your computer or logging into your bank, but still chose to have type over your camera, I am sorry, but you are a idiot.

>>x0054+I
If you have that much faith in the security of your computer, you are "an idiot". That's not within your control.

It's not dumb to take whatever precautions you can.

And people do worry about having their pictures taken. Remember the scandal when a school took pictures of children undressed at home with their laptops' cameras?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbins_v._Lower_Merion_School...

>>leeree+Q
Yes, I read that story. But you are missing the point. I do not trust in the security of my laptop implicitly, or any laptop for that matter, but I weigh my risks proportionally. I care a lot about the security of my laptop because I care about my bank accounts, my files, and things that I discuss in the privacy of my own house. Out of all those things, people stealing pictures of me in front of my computer are not even on the horizon of my concern. If you have my bank account, all my passwords, and all my files, why the hell would I care if you also happen to have a picture of me in my underwear? The problem with the tape over camera "solution" is that people feel safer when they have tape over their webcam, and they should NOT feel safer, because, unless you are a celebrity, no one gives a flying fuck about your pictures. Tape over webcam my FEEL safe, but it's dangerous when it's "implemented" instead of actual diligent computer security. I know, anything can be hacked, no matter how careful you are. But some tape over your webcam isn't going to stop it, or mitigate the damage in any significant way when it does occur.

>>x0054+n1
You may not care about naked pictures, but many people do.

They aren't idiots for realizing that humans are, above all else, sexual animals.

>>leeree+B1
If putting tape over your camera makes you feel safer, by all means go for it. My guess is though, given that you are on HN and such, that your security efforts didn't stop at pealing some electrical tape and applying it to your laptop. The problem is (anecdotally, in my experience) many peoples efforts stop right there. The FEEL safer without actually being safer. This boils down to perception of safety vs. reality of safety. This is how they sold us the patriot act, because it felt safe. We need to stop feeling safe and actually make efforts to be safe.

>>x0054+w2
Getting back to the context of this post:

I'm sure putting tape over the camera isn't the only security precaution the director of the FBI has taken.

>>x0054+I
"But if you don't think twice about saying anything you want in front of your computer or logging into your bank, but still chose to have type over your camera, I am sorry, but you are a idiot."

Not necessarily. Maybe an adversary having naked pictures of you (or seeing your affair, or whatever) causes you more (financial?) trouble than what is on the bank account.

>>x0054+I
My Laptop is issued to me by my employer, and I have no control over the security of it..

I have no personal information on it

and you bet I have tape over the camera. Not just because of security, but many communications apps simply turn it on by default when you start a session... Lync, WebEx, Hangouts etc...