Should You Cover Your Front Camera? The Important Information You Need For Your Security

Your privacy online and with your devices is of the utmost importance. There are many people every single day who are hacked, scammed, and taken advantage of with their identity stolen— and the more that technology evolves, the more that it will continue to be an issue. There are many VPNs and other features on your credit cards and your cell phones that allow you to stay protected and prevent your identity from being stolen.

Cell phones are something that we keep close to us on an everyday basis. Not only are they a great way to communicate with loved ones, but they are a way to pay bills, stay connected with society through social media, and purchase goods on an everyday basis. On all cell phones, there is a front camera, but should you cover it?

In this article, we’ll continue to talk about cell phone security for your front camera with topics such as:

• Are you at risk of keeping your front camera uncovered?
• Consider the operating system on your cell phone
• Ways to cover your front camera
• Is it paranoia or just being cautious?

Are You at Risk of Keeping Your Front Camera Uncovered?

There’s nothing wrong with being cautious, but is it a concern you need to be aware of?

Most people who own laptops cover the front camera due to security reasons because they can be easily broken into from hackers who can potentially watch you without being aware. Not only does your laptop have a camera, but every cell phone also includes a front and back camera, so should you cover those too?

What is Spyware?

Most people have heard of spyware, whether it’s a camera in a stealthy place, such as a plant, smoke detectors, or even alarm clocks. Spyware can not only be a tiny camera that can be placed almost anywhere and connected to Wi-Fi, but it can be something that can be used on cell phones too.

Many scammers  often get spyware that can work on someone’s phone to allow them to secretly monitor their location, phone calls, text messages, look at their photos, or even look at them through their front or back camera. Another common name for this type of spyware is “stalkerware” as it can be installed on almost any cell phone. It typically requires a physical download where someone can install it without your knowledge when they are using your cell phone, downloading content from unknown sources, or clicking on a bad link.

Signs of Spyware on Your Cell Phone

Being safe both in real life and online is important for everyone and doing things to protect yourself from your phone being hacked is important. There are many ways to tell if you think something suspicious is going on and that your cell phone has been broken into, which include the following:

• Phone is slower to load apps, data, text messages, etc.
• Turning off phone takes longer, or doesn’t shut off at all
• Battery drains much faster
• Constant overheating
• Abnormal data usage
• Unknown apps are installed
• Unknown credit card charges
• Unusual activity on accounts (including social media)
• Unfamiliar bluetooth connections
• Random wake-ups (if no notifications pop up and wake up your phone)
• And more!

Consider the Operating System on Your Cell Phone

An important factor to consider when thinking about your privacy and security for your cell phone!

When choosing a cell phone, it’s important to consider the operating system behind it. Each operating system has different standards and features for protecting its users and how they go about security precautions and privacy. Apple and Android are the most popular cell phones with operating systems that work together to protect anyone using their products.

Apple iOS Operating System

Apple has always been known for their incredible operating system with little issues in terms of security. They use a combination of hardware, software, and other services to help protect its users’ data and keep their security and privacy safe. A big feature that has been introduced to Apple users is its two-factor authentication, which requires you to put in an Apple ID, password, verification codes, fingerprint, or even Face ID to prove that it is you when signing into sensitive information, which could be anything from bank, credit card, or even loan accounts.

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They also have app security, providing protection to its users knowing that anything they download, it is free of malware, and they even have security services for your most top secret information. Whether it’s Apple Pay to keep your card information safe from being scanned from your wallet, iCloud to secure all of your passwords to any online account you have, and even iMessage to keep your messages and data secure, Apple has mastered security to make sure its customers are protected at all times.

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There are also other security features that Apple offers on its cell phones, and other products that include:

• Hardware security to protect security features
• System security that doesn’t hinder usability
• Safety checks to manage sharing and account securities
• Secure enclave to protect sensitive user information
• Top-notch encryption to protect user’s data

Android Operating System

Another popular option for many people is the Android cell phones, and they can feel like a mini computer in your hand with all of its capabilities. Working together with Google, their operating system has a ton of features to further protect the privacy and security of its users. They have built-in security with AI and machine learning to defend your data with spam, dangerous apps, or even malware you’re unaware you installed.

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Android also allows its users to take control of which apps gain access to your photos, videos, contacts, and other personal information where it requires you to set boundaries according to each one. It can also help to protect you physically as well with technology that can detect if you’ve been in a car accident, alert when earthquakes are about to hit, or even alert you if an unknown tracker, such as an Apple Airtag is located on you. 

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Other Android security features that you should be aware of include the following:

• Google Play Protect that can scan apps and regular check for malware on them
• Regular updates for security vulnerabilities
• App permissions on what it can or can’t gain access to
• Authentication methods, such as fingerprints and facial recognition
• Data encryption such as a pin, pattern, or password to get into your phone and apps

Ways to Cover Your Front Camera

Knowing the safe and easy ways to cover your camera are crucial to protect your privacy!

For those who want to take their safety and privacy to the next level, covering up your front camera is a smart idea. While many people actively use their front camera for apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and even Facebook, it can seem like an unnecessary inconvenience. But for those who don’t use their front camera regularly, it can be a great idea to protect yourself in the instance of a hacker invading your privacy.

Check out some of the best and easiest ways to cover your front camera on your cell phone!

Front Camera Covers

A simple and best way to keep your privacy safe even when using a cell phone is to purchase a front camera cover. This is an inexpensive adhesive with a slider that can cover or uncover the camera as simple as a swipe to stay safe and private, or they can come included on many cell phone cases. It doesn’t interfere with facial recognition or even the speaker and microphone to talk on the phone either. These can be purchased for as little as $10 too, making it an affordable way to stay safe, plus it doesn’t affect the camera when you want to use it to take pictures.

Sticker or Tape Method

The cheapest and simplest way to cover up your front camera that many people do is by using a sticker or piece of tape. A sticker can be a fun way to spruce up your cell phone too and make it more unique to you, but if you want to go the tape route, duct or electrical tape are some of the more preferred methods. 

It’s important to keep in mind that the only downfall of using this method is the adhesive residue. It’s crucial to pick something that isn’t so sticky, as it can leave residue on your camera lens that can be tough to remove when you’re trading in your cell phone for a new one, or simply don’t want it there any more. The sticker or tape method can also hinder functionality on your phone too, such as facial recognition, which is why many people prefer the adhesive front camera cover.

Piece of Paper

There are also many DIY options that you can do to cover up the front camera on your cell phone, and one of them is by using a piece of paper. You can cut the piece of paper to perfectly fit your camera and use a piece of tape to cover it, or even tuck it into your cell phone case to hold it in place. 

Is It Paranoia or Just Being Cautious?

There are mixed opinions on covering the front camera of your cell phone, but the decision comes down to you!

Everyone knows that privacy matters, but is being too private a sign of paranoia? Many people leave the front camera free of any covers to avidly talk to their loved ones using video calling, or through apps that require the camera, such as Snapchat, Facebook, or Instagram. It’s okay to be cautious with all of the security breaches that companies face every day, plus potential hackers that are trying to gain access to your data and steal your credit card information, bank information, or your identity.

When it comes down to it, doing something as small as covering your front camera on your cell phone isn’t considered paranoia. 

There are many legitimate privacy concerns for people to be concerned about. Not only is there a potential for individuals to be hacked everyday, but many large corporations face security breaches too. For example, in 2021, Facebook was hacked into exposing names, phone numbers, locations, and other sensitive information of over 530 million people while hotels, such as Hyatt and Marriott International’s payment processing systems were hacked into, gaining access to many people’s sensitive personal and bank account information.

While covering up the front camera of your cell phone may not be much of a concern for lots of people, it is something to consider. Even a fancy slidable adhesive to keep the front camera covered when you’re not using it is a smart idea, but it can hinder facial recognition security features that many cell phones use.

Decide for yourself today if covering the front camera of your cell phone is essential for you and your privacy!

Make sure to consider REALLY Mobile for all of your privacy and security purposes with their safe decentralized service with anonymous sign ups, private checkout, and full encryption for secure activation for personal cell phone use!