Have you ever felt like someone is snooping on or through your computer? That can be unsettling and dangerous, especially id someone actually is going through your data. Your personal computer holds a lot of sensitive data that bad actors can use, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Here are some gadgets that can prevent that.
1. Laptop Privacy Screen Filter
Screens are so easy to look into even when you're not the one using them, which means that whatever it is you're doing is exposed to anyone in proximity. This can be dangerous especially if you're handling sensitive data and doing your work in public (which isn't advisable).
The privacy screen filter serves as an anti-glare filter so that anyone viewing from a 30-degree side angle won't be able to. It's magnetic so you won't have to actually attach it to your computer. It fits 14-inch laptops with a 16:9 ratio, but there are also other brands that vary in size.
2. Password-Protected External Hard Drive
There are a lot of ways hackers or nosy people can scan through your computer. The safest way you can keep your data from prying eyes is by storing them in an external hard drive. It prevents them from viewing it, and it is disconnected from all networks.
But, what if they get a hold of the hard drive as well? A password-protected model will save you from worrying. The 2 TB Western Digital External HD has 256-bit AES hardware encryption and features a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. It's compatible with a USB 2.0 PC port.
3. Security Key
If you think your credentials on your browser are safe, think again. Anyone who has access to your browser, whether it's through malware or otherwise, can easily steal your email and password. A security key holds your credentials so you won't have to sacrifice quick logins.
It creates a more secure login process through stronger authentication. The FIDO2 key supports operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. It has a built-in one-time password technology which completes that multi-factored authentication process.
4. Webcam Cover
Other than people being conscious about a camera pointing at them at all times, hackers can actually gain access to your webcam and watch you remotely. All it takes is downloading the wrong file and infecting your device with malware.
Some computers have external webcams that can easily be unplugged if they aren't being used. Laptops, however, have built-in webcams more often than not. The webcam cover slide lets you cover the lens when not in use. You can also attach it to smartphones and tablets.
5. Mic Lock Jack
Threat actors nowadays are patient enough to listen in through your mic. They can learn a lot through your conversations which exposes you to fraudulent activities. In fact, reports even say that they can listen to your keyboard sounds and figure out what you're typing.
Some computers have built-in microphones, so even if you don't plug in an external mic, they can still remotely activate it. The Mic-Lock becomes your computer's primary microphone once you plug it in. It copies the signal that a microphone generates and prevents anyone from listening in.
