14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has recently told users not to use webcam covers on MacBooks because this approach would eventually damage the device and prevent certain features from working.
The company says MacBook users can simply rely on the camera indicator light, whose role is to help determine whether the camera is active or not.
On the other hand, hardware kill switches are very often the preferred choice in terms of webcam security, and it’s all simply because such a method can’t be hacked in case a malicious actor breaks into the device.
This is why Purism, a company that’s building Linux computers promising uncompromised security, says Apple’s security advice is “discouraging,” explaining that the Cupertino-based tech giant actually wants to go for a “just trust us” kind of approach as far as user security is concerned.
“It completely misses the point of why people used webcam covers to begin with: to claw back the tiniest bit of control over their privacy from hardware and software companies,” Purism says.
“Apple and Purism take completely different approaches to security. Apple’s approach is to require customers to hand over all trust and control to Apple and depend upon Apple for all of their security. Purism’s approach is to give customers control over their own computers and provide security without depending upon Purism. Webcam security is a great lens through which to view these completely opposite approaches.”
Losing security control
Apple explains that using a webcam cover, such as a small piece of tape, could actually break down features like the ambient light sensor or True Tone.
However, Purism warns that by agreeing with Apple’s recommendation, users pretty much lose control over their security.
“The fundamental flaw with Apple’s approach is that it takes all control over security and privacy away from you. To be secure you must fully trust Apple and their security measures and if anything ever happens to violate that trust, such as a security exploit, there isn’t much you can do about it,” Purism says.
Apple is yet to comment on these claims, but we have reached out to the company and will update the post if we hear back.