The technological revolution of the 21st century has come with perhaps the most disturbing levels of breaches of privacy that humankind has ever seen.
The internet can be a haven for criminal activities; from hacking groups to terrorist breaches. And we share a world with them.
Visual Hacking: A Low-Tech Attacking Method
Sometimes the hacker employs tactics that have nothing to do with the digital paths at all; this is called visual hacking. This can include any of the following:
- Looking over your shoulders to see your passwords
- View ‘confidential’ information while you step out for a breather
- Sneak a picture of the on-screen information
- Monitoring devices that look almost inconspicuous; pens, and key chains
It has been found that visual hacking works about 91% of the time. Moreover, the risks associated with this method of hacking cannot be solved by encryption technologies or making stronger passwords.
So, how will you cope? Thankfully, there is an easy solution.
Privacy Filters: Protect Yourself From Visual Hacking
Just like the low-tech hacking method, the protection is also low-tech; in fact, it’s a simple sheet of polarized plastic.
Polarization is the simple phenomenon by which light is blocked at certain angles. We only have a vision because there is light, the absence of it means there is nothing to see.
So a polarized screen attached to your computer will only let you, a person sitting directly in front of it, view the screen. People looking over your shoulders, your cubicle friends at work, the person sitting next to you on the plane as you travel –none of them will be able to visually hack you anymore.
What Makes For a Good Privacy Filter?
- The size of the filter must fit your computer screen
- The process of the application must be easy
- The screen must be clear and visible after application.
- The price must be reasonable.