why SURE VIEW by HP is important

Strong passwords and solid encryption technologies go a long way toward keeping your private work data private. But those tools can’t stop someone from simply peering at your screen from over your shoulder, or worse – snapping a photo of what you’re working on. It’s called visual hacking and it’s a serious security threat that businesses shouldn’t ignore.

Thankfully, there’s an easy fix. Simple privacy filters that adhere to a laptop’s display can severely restrict the viewing angle, so that only someone sitting directly in front of the screen can see what’s on it. Anyone trying to sneak a peek from the sides or top will just see a blank, black screen.

How does it work?

Privacy filters are surprisingly low-tech, consisting of a polarized plastic sheet. Polarization works as an optical filter that blocks out light from certain angles – in this case, all angles but the one right in front of the screen. It’s the same technology used for polarized sunglasses and some types of camera lenses.

Why you need one

The need for a privacy filter will vary depending on the employee’s work habits. Of course, those most at risk of visual hacking use a computer in a public place, or in close proximity to clients or customers. Due to the nature of their work, frequent travelers, as well as employees in customer service or sales positions, could be particularly susceptible to visual hacking.

It takes just a few seconds for someone to glean confidential information from a computer screen, which could potentially be used for malicious or illegal intent. The risk is especially high given the ubiquity of smartphones with high-quality cameras, making it extremely easy to snap a quick photo without anyone noticing.