A Facebook post from Mark Zuckerberg has attracted attention for
‘all the wrong reasons’.
The social network’s CEO was celebrating
Instagram’s increasing popularity – it now has over 500 million monthly
active users – but this milestone was soon eclipsed by something altogether
different.
In the image that accompanied the post, what we
understand to be his laptop can be seen in the background.
So far, so normal. However, on closer inspection,
the webcam and the audio jack on his Macbook appear to be covered by tape.
Needless to say, this cautious approach to security
has caused quite a stir online, with many speculating as to why Mr. Zuckerberg
has done this.
Those up to date on security will know that this is
not a new thing, nor is it demonstrative of overcautious behavior.
For example, back in April, the FBI’s director,
James Comey, revealed himself that he tapes over his webcam.
Speaking at an event at Kenyon College in Ohio, he said: “I saw something in the news, so I copied it.
“I put a piece of tape — I have obviously a laptop,
personal laptop — I put a piece of tape over the camera. Because I saw somebody
smarter than I am had a piece of tape over their camera.”
The reality is that cybercriminals can exploit, for
example, webcams and turn it into “a tool for spying”.
Alex Hern, a technology reporter at the Guardian,
suggests that most people should “probably” follow in Mr. Zuckerberg’s
direction.
He said: “It doesn’t hurt, most of the experts do it, and it
could minimise damage – even if it’s just emotional – in the case of a
catastrophic hack.”
Covering a webcam is popular among readers of
WeLiveSecurity. A live poll currently reports that 44% of people cover their
built-in camera.