Webcam Covers, Antivirus Software and 6 More Tools to Reduce Your Risk of Hacking

Everyone knows that improving their cyber security is important, but it’s hard to know where to start. Viruses, spyware, and malware have been plaguing computers for decades, but new threats like ransomware and compromised webcams have made it even more important to be cautious.

Last year, a cyber attack on a Miami hospital forced the hospital to pay $600,000 to retrieve data that was remotely accessed and encrypted by hackers. It’s no longer enough to simply report suspicious e-mails, stop clicking on ads, and be wary of sketchy looking websites; you should be equipping your laptops and devices with protection too.

We’ve collected some popular products and services that work to provide reliable protection from both current and future threats. That means protecting your internet privacy, ensuring you have a long, strong password, encrypting your most valuable files, and preventing physical data breeches from prying eyes.

It’s still up to you to exercise due diligence: don’t give out potentially valuable personal information online, don’t post pictures of your credit cards on social media, and don’t fall for scams promising too-good-to-be-true deals.

Cyber threats will only get more sophisticated over time, but by using the tools below, you can be proactive and work to significantly reduce your risks.

1. A Webcam Cover

One of the easiest ways to improve your digital security is by blocking your computer’s webcam, which can be turned on remotely if your computer is infected with spyware. Most people, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg use a piece of tape, but I recommend Nano-Shield’s S1 Webcam Cover.

The thin cover fits on top of your computer’s webcam, and lets you easily block and unblock it with your finger. Shield bundles its covers in packs of three, so you can block out your computer, tablet, and smartphone’s front-facing cameras without losing any photo or video quality.

Buy: Nano-Shield S1 Webcam Cover $3.59

2. A Screen Viewblocker

If you use your laptop in a public place, you don’t want prying eyes looking over…