Traveling to complex environments, phone privacy!
COMERA RISK
We provide consulting, training and research solutions on a wide range of security threats
Phones and sim cards are often a big talking point when traveling to complex environments. But recent conversations with my good friend David Gilyeat allowed us to discuss the small topic that is privacy screens.
The debate surrounding security and privacy when using a mobile device often raises questions on our SAFE, HEAT, Condo and SAVE courses: The question, do I need a privacy screen? This topic has sparked intriguing discussions and despite being a relatively minor addition to our course, many people tend to overthink the potential scenarios.
A privacy screen, also referred to as a privacy filter, is a specialised accessory designed to safeguard the confidentiality of the information displayed on the screen. The primary function of a privacy screen is to prevent individuals who are positioned beside or behind you from viewing the content on your phone or computer. This feature is especially crucial in environments where there is need for sensitive or personal information is accessed while in public spaces, during travel, or in open hotel reception areas.
Privacy screens achieve their purpose by narrowing the display's viewing angle, ensuring that only the person directly in front of the screen can see the content clearly. Individuals at an angle to the screen will see a darkened or completely obstructed view. This ensures that sensitive information is visible only to the intended viewer, which is vital in professions dealing with confidential data, such as finance, locations and emails. By protecting personal and confidential information from prying eyes, privacy screens help organisations comply with data protection regulations and standards. They add an extra layer of security by minimising the risk of visual hacking, where unauthorised individuals might covertly observe sensitive information on a screen.
While privacy screens offer numerous benefits, there are certain drawbacks and scenarios where their use might not be ideal.
Here are some reasons why it might be ill-advised to use a privacy screen in those more complex environments. While it is true that in areas with a high presence of criminal activity or state surveillance, protecting one's data and communications by using a privacy screen or filter on a phone can seem like a prudent measure, this action can also have unintended consequences.
In such environments where surveillance is common and part of life, the very act of using a privacy screen could paradoxically draw more attention. Observers, whether they are criminal elements or state actors, may become more suspicious of someone who seems to be taking extra precautions to shield their phone's screen from view. Instead of blending into the crowd, the use of a privacy filter can signal that the user has something to hide, thus making them a target of increased scrutiny.
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For example, in regions where state surveillance is widespread, surveillance operatives might view an individual using a privacy screen as engaging in covert activities. This can lead to increased scrutiny or even intervention, as the individual's actions could be interpreted as an attempt to avoid detection. Similarly, in a criminal context, thieves or other malicious actors might assume that the phone's owner has sensitive information or valuable data worth stealing.
By trying to conceal your actions, you inadvertently draw attention to yourself and are more likely to appear as though you're pretending to call or text someone, which may not project the confidence necessary to deter criminals.
How can we look normal enough while keeping our screen hidden. We advise our delegates to simply dim the screens, which is not always easy to adjust to first thing in the morning but very effective in reducing visibility for others but providing enough light that you don’t look like you are pretending to use your phone when being watched or trying to keep secrets.
The context is often very different when considering privacy screens on laptops certainly when using it in public places. This is more accepted and perception is everything.
Top Tip - Dim it!