There are many ways that the wrong person can go snooping on your computer. Maybe you forgot to lock your screen before leaving your device unattended so anyone walking by can see. Or maybe you don’t have enough protection on your device so that a malicious hacker can easily get access. It takes a matter of seconds for a bad actor to plant malware on an unprotected phone or laptop. Let’s go over some important steps to take to protect your computer from snoopers of any kind.
Lock your screen
The last thing you want is an outside person glancing at your device screen, even if it’s someone you trust. We don’t just hand our phones over to anyone and tell them they can look through our photos and messages, so why wouldn’t you want the same privacy for your computer? Having your screen locked at all times when you’re not using your computer is one of the best ways to keep those wandering eyes from looking at your device.
How to lock your Mac computer
- Click the Apple icon in the top left corner
- Click Lock Screen
How to set your Mac to log out when it’s not in use
- Click the Apple icon in the top left corner
- Click System Settings
- On the left-hand sidebar, click Privacy & Security
- Scroll all the way down and click Advanced…
- Toggle on Log out automatically after inactivity
- Click Done
MORE: DON’T LET SNOOPERS NEARBY LISTEN TO YOUR VOICEMAIL WITH THIS QUICK TIP
How to lock your Windows computer
There are multiple ways for you to lock your Windows computer. Here are a few options you can do.
- Hit Windows + L
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Lock
- Click the Start button, then select your user icon and click Lock
How to lock your Windows computer automatically after inactivity
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Select Lock Screen
- Click Screen saver settings
- Select any option from the dropdown menu
- Set a time for Windows to wait before locking
- Check the box for On resume, display logon screen
- Click OK
Use a webcam cover
Hackers can break into people’s webcams and spy on them without them realizing it. The best way for you to prevent this from happening is to get a cover for your webcam. Have the cover on at all times when your webcam is not in use so that no one can ever snoop on you. Here’s my top recommendation:
CloudValley Webcam Cover 2 pack
The Cloud Valley Webcam Cover works for Mac and PC laptops and even works on iPhone cameras as well. Simply align it to your webcam, attach it, and press it firmly for 15 seconds to begin using it. It will not interfere with the function of your webcam or the indicator light. At the time of publishing, this product had over 44,000 global reviews on Amazon with 80% giving it 5 stars.
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Add a Privacy screen
Modern snoops can strike anywhere, from the bank line to coffee shops, turning casual glances at your phone into opportunities for privacy breaches. These breaches range from innocent curiosity to scams involving crooks spying on your passcode entry. Fortunately, a simple solution exists: an affordable privacy screen protector that shields your phone or tablet screen from prying eyes, ensuring your digital activities remain private.
How to make your devices impossible to snoop on with a privacy screen
Have good antivirus software on all your devices
Keeping hackers out of your devices can be prevented if you have good antivirus software installed. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links which may install malware on your devices allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information.
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Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.
MORE: HOW HACKERS FIND OUT IF YOU’RE A HIGH-VALUE TARGET BEFORE STEALING
Use a VPN
Consider using a VPN to protect against hackers snooping on your device as well. VPNs will protect you from those who want to track and identify your potential location and the websites that you visit. Many sites can read your IP address and depending on their privacy settings, may display the city from which you are corresponding. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location.
My #1 pick is ExpressVPN. It’s available in 94 countries, it can operate on every device, including iOS, Mac, Android, Windows, router, Linux, web browser, and more, and it won’t log your IP address, browsing history, traffic destination, metadata, or DNS queries.
Right now you can get 3 extra months FREE with a 12-month ExpressVPN plan. That’s just $6.67 per month, a saving of 49%. Try 30 days risk-free.
Find my review for Best VPNs here.
Have you ever discovered someone was snooping on your computer? Share your story by commenting below.
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Related:
- Don’t let snoops nearby listen to your voicemail with this quick tip
- How hackers find out if you’re a high-value target before stealing
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