FBI Director James Comey feels that covering up a computer's webcam with a piece of tape is "sensible" and "a good thing." In an interview commemorating 10 years of operation for the National Security Division (NSD), a body of the U.S. Department of Justice that leverages law enforcement, intelligence, and other government resources to respond to national security threats, Director Comey confirmed he himself still covers his webcam with a piece of tape.
“Heck yeah, heck yeah. And also, I get mocked for a lot of things... much mocked for that... but I hope people lock their cars [...] lock your doors at night. I have an alarm system. If you have an alarm system you should use it, I use mine. It’s not crazy that the FBI Director cares about personal security as well.”
Definitely not crazy. But a bit ironic considering the legal dispute that emerged between Apple and the FBI over users' privacy earlier this year. One could argue, however, that the incident involving the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters directly involved national security, whereas Comey's interview on 14 September mainly focused on how "there’s some sensible things you should be doing [to take responsibility for protecting your computer], and that’s one of them." He feels employees who work for the FBI aren't exempt from that obligation to defend their digital security. They just have more sophisticated tech than a piece of tape:
"You go into any government office, we all have our little camera things that sit on top of the screen. They all have a little lid that closes down on them. You do that so that people who don’t have authority don’t look at you. I think that’s a good thing."
There you have it, folks. Go out there and cover up all your webcams! For additional perspective, you can view Comey's full remarks in the video below. https://youtu.be/n95Hy5yWdcQ?t=4h12m
