Block the Peepers: Why Covering Your Webcam Is Non-Negotiable

‘LPT: Cover all open cameras you have on laptops and phones, especially company property. Never assume they are off and always assume someone is watching’

Assuming they’re off is risky—someone could be watching. A quick cover, like tape, ensures privacy, protecting you from sneaky surveillance without any hassle.

Why does this work? First, cameras can be accessed remotely without your knowledge. Hackers or even employers can activate them, bypassing “off” indicators, as tech reports confirm. Second, it’s effortless. A small piece of tape or a webcam cover takes seconds to apply and blocks any view, no tech skills needed.

Third, it prevents worst-case scenarios. Whether it’s a hacker or, as the input suggests, a company misusing access, a covered camera stops them cold. This simple step protects your personal space and sensitive moments, especially on company property where oversight is more likely. It’s about staying one step ahead in a world where surveillance tech is everywhere.

Covering your camera gives you control, letting you work or relax without that creepy “being watched” feeling.

This trick also saves you stress, knowing you’re secure. It’s universal for any device and shows you’re proactive about privacy.

Do you cover your device cameras? Have you ever felt uneasy about potential surveillance? What would you do if you suspected someone was watching through your laptop or phone?

The Redditor’s call to cover your webcam is a sharp jab at a scary truth: cameras are vulnerable. The OP’s story about a manager’s surveillance hint stirred debate—some Redditors dismiss it as paranoia, others nod to real risks like hacking or corporate monitoring. The core issue? Trusting a camera’s “off” status is a gamble, especially on company devices where software can silently activate lenses. A cover, like tape or a Band-Aid, is a foolproof block.

Webcam hacking is a growing threat, with the FBI reporting 15,000+ webcam-related sextortion cases in 2025. The OP’s tip sidesteps debates about whether bosses or IT departments can access cameras—covering them eliminates the risk entirely. Even if LEDs signal a camera’s on, as one commenter claims, advanced malware can disable such indicators, per 2025 Symantec reports. A physical cover is your ultimate defense.

Cybersecurity expert Kevin Mitnick once said, “The simplest way to protect your webcam is to cover it up” (mitnicksecurity.com). His advice echoes the OP’s: a physical barrier stops hackers or employers cold, no tech expertise needed. For the OP, this means slapping a $1 webcam cover or tape on every device, especially company ones, to ensure privacy.

To lock down your privacy, use opaque tape or a sliding webcam cover (amazon.com). Disable camera permissions in settings, and check company device policies. If you suspect surveillance, report it to HR with evidence. What’s your go-to for keeping digital peepers out? Share below!

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit’s buzzing with reactions to this webcam warning, from Zuckerberg’s tape habit to snarky quips about government spies. Some call it overkill, others swear by Band-Aids with Nemo flair. Here’s the community’s spicy blend of skepticism and savvy—dive in for a chuckle and some smarts!

These Redditors serve up laughs and logic, but who’s got it right? Is covering your camera a paranoid move or a privacy essential? We’re itching to hear your thoughts!

The Redditor’s tip is a wake-up call: your webcam’s a potential spy, so cover it up. It’s a cheap, no-brainer move that blocks hackers, creepy bosses, or accidental leaks. Whether you’re rocking tape or a fancy cover, how do you keep your digital life private? Ever had a moment where you felt watched through your device? Spill your stories and hacks below!