Many high-profile and influential people including politicians like Benjamin Netanyahu, CEOs, journalists, intelligence officials, and cybersecurity experts usually cover their phone or laptop cameras for a few practical reasons:
1. Fear of spyware and remote hacking
Modern malware can sometimes activate a device’s camera or microphone remotely without the owner realizing it. This has happened in real-world espionage cases involving governments, activists, and executives.
One of the most famous examples was the spyware Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, which allegedly allowed attackers to remotely access cameras, microphones, messages, and files on infected phones.
For people with political power or sensitive information, the risk is taken seriously.
2. Cameras can reveal more than people think
Even a few seconds of unauthorized camera access could expose:
confidential documents
meeting participants
room layouts
computer screens
location clues
family members or private routines
Intelligence agencies often treat visual leaks as major security vulnerabilities.
3. It’s a standard cybersecurity habit
A lot of security professionals physically block cameras because:
software protections can fail
indicators showing the camera is “on” can sometimes be bypassed
physical barriers are simple and reliable
Former Mark Zuckerberg and former James Comey were both noticed covering laptop webcams publicly, which helped popularize the practice.
4. It’s partly symbolic now
For some influential figures, covering cameras also signals:
awareness of surveillance
operational security discipline
distrust of digital privacy guarantees
In elite political and business circles, paranoia about surveillance is often considered rational rather than extreme.
Important distinction
Covering the camera does not mean someone is hiding criminal activity or part of a conspiracy. Most of the time it’s simply basic digital security similar to using encrypted messaging apps or two-factor authentication.
Many cybersecurity experts recommend covering webcams when not in use, especially on laptops.
1. Fear of spyware and remote hacking
Modern malware can sometimes activate a device’s camera or microphone remotely without the owner realizing it. This has happened in real-world espionage cases involving governments, activists, and executives.
One of the most famous examples was the spyware Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, which allegedly allowed attackers to remotely access cameras, microphones, messages, and files on infected phones.
For people with political power or sensitive information, the risk is taken seriously.
2. Cameras can reveal more than people think
Even a few seconds of unauthorized camera access could expose:
confidential documents
meeting participants
room layouts
computer screens
location clues
family members or private routines
Intelligence agencies often treat visual leaks as major security vulnerabilities.
3. It’s a standard cybersecurity habit
A lot of security professionals physically block cameras because:
software protections can fail
indicators showing the camera is “on” can sometimes be bypassed
physical barriers are simple and reliable
Former Mark Zuckerberg and former James Comey were both noticed covering laptop webcams publicly, which helped popularize the practice.
4. It’s partly symbolic now
For some influential figures, covering cameras also signals:
awareness of surveillance
operational security discipline
distrust of digital privacy guarantees
In elite political and business circles, paranoia about surveillance is often considered rational rather than extreme.
Important distinction
Covering the camera does not mean someone is hiding criminal activity or part of a conspiracy. Most of the time it’s simply basic digital security similar to using encrypted messaging apps or two-factor authentication.
Many cybersecurity experts recommend covering webcams when not in use, especially on laptops.
