The admonition to never write down your passwords is probably the only physical privacy safeguard we all know. However, there are more practical ways to safeguard your data than that. Privacy screen covers, for example, are a relatively new trend. Do you, however, require one? Do privacy screen protectors work？
What is a privacy screen protector?
A privacy screen protector is a screen protector that has been designed exclusively for privacy. They do more than merely protect the screen from scratches, bumps, and other potentially damaging pressures. They also protect your privacy from passers-by who might wish to look at your computer screen.
After all, anyone can glance at your screen and see what you’re doing, whether you’re playing Clash of Clans on the bus or working on your screenplay at a Starbucks (I’m old and don’t have any cooler comparisons). Consider how much personal or sensitive information passes through your screen on a daily basis. “Visual hacking” is a phrase coined for crimes involving information observed on someone else’s screen. Privacy screen protectors are designed to keep this from happening.
Do privacy screen protectors work？
The cheapest screen protectors will simply darken your screen. This has an impact on both you and the onlooker, so it’s not ideal. To hide light at certain angles, good privacy screen protectors use polarization, a feature most commonly found in sunglasses.
As a result, an effective privacy screen protector only allows the screen to be viewed from 30-45 degrees. Anyone who is further away will just see a black screen. This drastically reduces the amount of individuals who can read your screen. Consider how close someone would have to sit to get a better than 45-degree angle on your screen.
Sure, it’s simpler when they’re farther away, but you’re not reading your email at 300 percent zoom, and your vital passwords aren’t printed in 96-point font.
How to choose the best privacy screen protector
You undoubtedly have a few ideas on how to choose the finest privacy screen protector now that you understand how they function. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The privacy method: You should definitely acquire a polarized screen protector rather than one that simply darkens the screen for everyone – including you.
- Tempered glass and film are the two most common materials used to create privacy screen covers. Most phones can accommodate a film, which is especially useful if your phone has a curved screen. Tempered glass, on the other hand, performs better as a screen protector (preventing scratches), thus it’s a suitable choice if curvature isn’t an issue (so, laptops and tablets).
- The viewpoint: how much coverage do you require? Sure, gazing directly at your screen will allow you to see everything, but would you settle for a 45-degree angle on all sides or aim for 30?
- Since we’ve already talked about angles, some privacy screen protectors just block views from the sides. By just turning your phone to landscape views, you can quickly present anything you wish to show to a group of people. If you’re worried that someone on the bus above you will be able to see what you’re typing, take a 4-way bus.
- Anti-glare coating and blue light suppression are two additional characteristics that many manufacturers will offer in addition to privacy. So choose the option that best suits you and your budget.
Are privacy screen protectors bad for your eyes?
No, privacy shields aren’t harmful to your eyes. Privacy screen protectors can’t hurt your vision, except for the simple darkened ones that cause eye strain when you try to differentiate what’s going on on the screen.
Furthermore, as previously said, many protectors include extra functions such as anti-glare and blue light absorption that may be beneficial to your eyes.
