There are numerous horror scenarios in which a webcam plays the leading role. For example, you might get one online Virus who – instead of spying on your passwords, or in addition to it – takes control of your webcam. A scenario that is following Science-Fiction may sound like, but actually comes from everyday life. You ask yourself what for? Cyber criminals use a webcam to obtain compromising video or photo material that they can use to blackmail their victim. Such blackmail attempts are often pure Phishing. So the scammers merely claim that they have collected compromising material. But this assertion can already be enough to make those affected their demands enter.
Another webcam scenario is less criminal, but just as bad for many Internet users. One where you forget to turn off the picture during a video conference. What follows depends on the type of video conference. But the subsequent experience is likely to be pleasant in the rarest of cases.
Fortunately, all the scenarios mentioned can be averted relatively easily. And completely free of charge. A “Top Secret” tool from the federal government can help with this.
The federal government’s webcam solution
The simplest solution to the webcam problem is to tape them shut. However, this approach is not optimal, because if you need the webcam once more, you are forced to remove the sticker first. This can result in unsightly residues that have no place on a camera lens. And this is where the federal government comes into play with its top secret tool, a webcam sticker card. The map includes several Smiley-Stickers in different sizes, with the help of which the webcam can be easily masked.
So far, so unspectacular. The highlight, however, is that according to the federal government, the stickers are made of “special material” and can be used “over and over once more”. The user only has to take this with them from time to time water to clean.
This is how you get the webcam stickers sent to you free of charge
Citizens residing in Germany can download the webcam covers free of charge on the Website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) to order. Shipping is also free, but there is still a limitation. Interested parties can “only” enter Package with a maximum of five copies of the webcam sticker card to protect their laptops, smartphones, Tablets and secure other devices. A larger number can only be claimed by public institutions and authorities.
By the way: If you are willing to spend a few euros, you can solve the problems discussed above in a much more elegant way. You can find out how in our Webcam and privacy guide.
