The Professional Risks of Webcams

Whether it is the risk of using a webcam in a personal capacity, or the potential business repercussions, it is vital that people begin to realise the dangers involved with built-in camera devices. We looked at certain aspects of this in our previous post, Protection from Webcam Hackers, where stories of couples getting caught out in bed and baby monitor footage being streamed elsewhere were the key concerns we covered. As well as risks from a personal perspective, there are also risks to you professionally as well, both regarding your data security and the streaming of compromising images.

The issue was recently bought to my attention by a contact who mentioned that his company use Microsoft Skype for Business, a product formally known as Lync. Much like the consumer model, Skype for Business allows users to work together through messaging, and audio and video calls, where they can organise online meetings and connect through nothing more than an internet connection. One feature of the service that drew my attention though was the ability to turn on a webcam by simply hovering over an icon, a potentially embarrassing addition to a professional conversation.

While the majority of Skype for Business calls will take place in corporate surroundings, my friend did confide in me that he does on occasion answer calls early in the morning or late in the evening, during times where he is at home or has just woken up. This can sometimes leave him answering in potentially compromising situations, without being fully dressed for instance. Although this may seem inconsequential to some, the idea of a client seeing you in such a position, or a senior member of your team even, can change the dynamic of your relationship with them, and potentially create a tension that leads to a lost opportunity or even job.

Equally damaging is the potential for the unintentional revealing of data or confidential information through video. This can happen if you are surrounded by paperwork of a secure nature that demands privacy when a webcam turns on accidentally. Perhaps client details, an internal press release or a particularly intimate contract. The quality of the webcams that are attached to laptops and computers has impressively improved over the past decade, making their ability to pick up details that much greater. By accidently hovering over an icon, or switching on your camera by mistake, you could be broadcasting this information to people who can take advantage, or simply shouldn’t know for legal reasons.

The risks of your webcam allowing you to be exposed online are very real. Whether that is in the home or in a way that targets you professionally, you need to make sure that you are taking precautions. The simplest way to ensure you stay secure? Cover your webcam.

Luckily for users across the country, Digital Pathways are offering a Webcam Sticker Selection free of charge to anyone who feels the need for privacy. By using something as simple as a sticker, you can protect your privacy in style, with a range of sizes to cover your webcam when it isn’t in use. From laptops to PC’s and smartphones, keeping your camera covered is the only sure way of keeping prying eyes at bay.

To receive your own Webcam sticker set simply send us an email with your name and address, or complete the form and we will send you your privacy protector completely free of charge.