A simple way to increase your security.

Cover up your webcam.

Most bankers probably don’t give the webcam at the top of their computer or laptop a second thought. That needs to change. If you don’t believe me, believe FBI Director James Comey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. They both cover theirs.

The practice of covering up your webcam shouldn’t be restricted to the domains of social networking kings or cybersecurity gurus. According to Comey, “You go into any government office and we all have the little camera that’s on top of the screen, they all have a little lid that closes down on them. You do that so that people who don’t have authority don’t look at you. I think that’s a good thing.”

When it comes to cybersecurity there are some sensible, simple things you should be doing, and covering your webcam is one of them. You don’t even need a purpose-built product to cover it. Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at Finnish security firm F-Secure, uses a Band-Aid. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s laptop webcam and microphone are covered with tape.

For years, many types of malware have included the ability to not just find and exfiltrate financial data, but also to log keystrokes, capture screenshots and more important for this discussion, remotely activate microphones and webcams, while disabling any notification light indicating that the webcam might be active.

For anyone who is concerned about cybersecurity this is a simple and cheap precaution, a Band-Aid with its non-sticky middle – or something similar, made from electrical tape – works just as well. Either approach won’t gunk up the webcam lens and for laptop users, should ensure that your screen can still close.

When it comes to cyber-security and the security of your bank, sometimes it’s these small, simple, steps like covering your webcam or ensuring that people are trained to spot a phishing email that greatly increase your overall security.

If you have any questions about the cybersecurity issues facing banks today and the training and strategies that can protect your bank, give ITPAC a call.