Since the start of the pandemic, people have become increasingly dependent on their webcams and microphones to stay connected to their colleagues, family, and friends.
Popping into a video conference has become so commonplace, we hardly think twice before enabling our camera and microphone, and homeworking is seemingly here to stay. A survey from the Office of National Statistics found that 85% of remote employees in the U.K. want to continue with hybrid schedules in the future.
Learning to manage the blurred lines between home and office and the increased reliance on virtual means of communication have also sparked privacy concerns, ranging from nosy bosses surveilling employees to hackers taking over webcams.
They’ve also revealed the vulnerabilities of devices to outside forces.
For those worried about eavesdropping and other cybersecurity breaches, there are more sophisticated ways to protect your computer in 2022 than putting sticky tape over your webcam or using broken earbuds to block a microphone.
Looking forward, here are some of the top threats right now and strategies for getting real-world protection from Bitdefender products.
Keep An Eye On Your Webcam
Interacting with your colleagues over video has introduced a new office etiquette, from muting your mic to answering the door for deliveries. But there are more worrying concerns to using a webcam than your child barging into a department meeting asking for biscuits.
Hackers have been known to take over webcams, monitor individuals, and take photos to use for blackmail and extortion. While you want to take steps to keep your devices secure, taping over your laptop’s webcam isn’t exactly practical when you’re hopping on and off calls.
Bitdefender’s security products offer webcam protection to thwart bad actors from taking a peek around your home. This feature notifies you when apps try to access your webcam and allows you to block unauthorized access.
Monitor Your Microphone
Some computers have built-in signals, such as lights, to let you know when your webcam or microphone is in use. However, even those red flags can be disabled by hackers.
In the past, a DIY method for stopping those trying to invade your privacy was plugging broken earbuds into the headphone jack.
Again, it may work to some extent, but it’s a clumsy approach to security and hardly practical when you’re having conversations or streaming music regularly.
For a seamless way to remain aware of outsiders listening in, Bitdefender monitors which apps are using your microphone and when they’re doing it. If a program attempts to gain access to your mic, you’ll get an alert.
Use a VPN to Evade Hackers
A VPN, or virtual private network, creates a secure and anonymous way to connect to the internet, which you could liken to an invisible tunnel. Any cybersecurity pro will probably recommend using one when connecting to unsecured wireless networks in public places, such as airports, hotels, shopping centres, and cafés.
Snoops can’t trace your IP address or find your computer when you use the Bitdefender VPN because your connection is encrypted. It’s another way to conceal your personal data from prying eyes, including usernames, passwords, and account numbers.
To keep your devices safe, Bitdefender VPN is installed automatically with your Bitdefender security solution. It encrypts internet traffic up to 200 MB, or for higher traffic needs, you can install a Bitdefender Premium VPN subscription.
Layer Up Your Cybersecurity
Over the past few years, ransomware has become an ever-evolving threat to cybersecurity. In its annual review for 2021, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) highlighted the emergence of ransomware as a service (RaaS), or off-the-shelf malware, as a critical concern.
Criminals use ransomware to hold your data hostage until you provide payment—often through a cryptocurrency that can’t be traced. For businesses, these attacks can halt operations completely.
Bitdefender builds its security solutions with multi-layer ransomware protection to protect your files from encryption or being hijacked by an outside source.
Avoid Dodgy Websites
Online shopping scams and bank fraud have been on a dramatic rise in the U.K. Among their many tactics, scammers have tapped into social media and fake websites to trick people into sending them money or revealing personal info. One financial agency found that 70% of authorised push payment (APP) scams in the U.K. started online.
In addition to providing tools for safe online banking and shopping, Bitdefender’s security solutions offer web attack prevention. The web filtering technology ensures you don’t reach a harmful website.
The right security solutions keep your devices protected so you can work and socialize without eavesdroppers.