(Minghui.org) The latest Minghui editorial notice, “Paying Attention to Security and Safety Is Essential,” reminded me of a viral photo of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg from 2016, in which his laptop camera and microphone were clearly taped. Former FBI director James Comey has also admitted to taping over the webcam on his personal laptop.

Security experts point out that covering photo, video and audio portals has long been an easy and inexpensive security measure.

As we can never emphasize enough how important it is to pay attention to security, taking cautious (but not paranoid) measures by covering up the camera and microphone on our computers can prevent hackers from gaining remote access to our devices, infringing upon our privacy, or attacking our devices with malware.

Master told us:

“You’re carrying around a listening device. Anyone can listen in on you at will—not just spies or the government. It’s very easy to do. It’s that bad, and it doesn’t make a difference if you turn it off—it’s all the same.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the 2016 New York Fa Conference”)

In the digital era, digital devices, from cell phones to computers, can be easily hacked and remotely controlled by ill-intentioned individuals. Meanwhile, our digital habits, from cell phone usage to internet browsing history, can be collected and analyzed to form a huge database for any use. Cyber breaches and loss of true privacy have already become a huge concern for every person in society.

So, fellow practitioners, please consider covering up the camera on your laptops or other digital devices to protect our own safety and privacy. This is also being more responsible to our own cultivation and the safety of the projects we are involved in.