Do Computer Privacy Screen Filters Work?

Courtney Addison 0 Comments December 30, 2022

As technology advances and our dependence on computers grows, protecting our privacy becomes more important than ever. A shocking amount of sensitive information (52%) is hacked from employee computer screens.

One suggestion to protect privacy is by using a computer screen filter, but do these filters actually work? This article will explore the effectiveness of privacy computer screen filters and how they can help keep your personal information safe.

What Is a Privacy Screen Filter?

A privacy screen filter is a simple yet effective solution for protecting the sensitive information on your computer screen from wandering eyes. By reducing the viewing angle of your screen, the filter ensures that only those directly in front of your screen can see what’s on it, making it a valuable tool for protecting your privacy while using your computer in public.

So while browsing sensitive information in a crowded space, consider using a screen privacy filter to protect sensitive data from visual hacking.

Let’s take the example of an office where privacy is paramount. In such a setting, privacy screen protectors can be used to ensure that only those who need to see the information have access to it.

By reducing the viewing angle of the display, only those who are directly in front of the monitor will be able to see what’s on the screen. This makes it difficult for those seated nearby to view or hack into your files, ensuring that sensitive information remains safe from prying eyes.

How Does a Computer Privacy Screen Work?

Privacy filters for computers work like tiny vertical blinds, severely restricting the viewing angle of your screen. Using tiny polarized “blinds” or micro louvers, the contents of your screen are only visible when viewed straight on.

Depending on the type of privacy screen, visibility may start to be blocked at around a 30-degree angle and may appear blacked out at around a 60-degree angle. This makes it difficult for anyone lurking to the side of your screen to see what you’re viewing, thereby helping to protect your privacy.

A privacy screen protector can also be used to reduce blue light emissions from your computer.

Benefits of Using Privacy Screen Filters

You’re never alone when you’re in public. Whether you’re at your neighborhood coffee shop or 30,000 feet in the air surrounded by family, there are always prying eyes. But just because you’re not alone doesn’t mean you can’t get work done. From social media to online banking—everything we do is visible to someone else, so it’s important that we protect our personal information. This is where computer privacy screen filters come in.

Here are some benefits of using the right computer privacy screen filters:

Protect Sensitive Data

In the US, approximately 27% of all visual data breaches were classified as containing sensitive information. A computer privacy screen filter can help protect your data from visual hacking, making it much more difficult for someone to access your information without permission.

The bad thing about this visual hacking is that it happens within seconds and you won’t even know it.

Using a laptop privacy screen, you can protect yourself from other people’s gaze and get more work done. Whether you’re at home or in a public space, laptop privacy screen filters can help you focus and stay safe from the view of others.

Child-Friendly

What comes as a relief, privacy screen filters are also child friendly. It helps you protect your family’s data from curious minds and unintentional harm. So now you can relax and let your child use the computer without worrying about the safety of your data.

Another advantage of these filters is they protect your children’s eyes from direct and harsh blue light emission which can lead to vision problems.

Maintaining Screen Clarity

When you use a laptop privacy screen filter, it doesn’t have to be at the cost of image quality and clarity. The best filters automatically adjust to the brightness of your display, ensuring that you don’t sacrifice on image quality while still keeping your data safe.

Moreover, the anti-glare properties of these privacy filters make the monitor easy to view, even in brightly lit environments. This means that you don’t have to strain your eyes while working and can use the computer without any discomfort.

Limitations of Privacy Screen Filters

As with any technology, there are limitations that you should be aware of when using a privacy screen filter.

Limited Viewing Angles

When using a privacy filter, keep in mind that if someone were to stand directly behind you, they would still be able to view your screen. Additionally, if someone were to stand beside you at a shallow angle, they may be able to make out some of the contents of your screen.

Potential for Damage to Screens

Unsurprisingly, privacy screen filters are not indestructible. If you don’t handle them properly or use improper installation methods, the filter can be damaged and/or scratched. This can make the filter less efficient and damage your screen.

To avoid this problem, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your privacy filter and take extra care to ensure that it is properly secured.

Some Users May Find Difficulty in Adjusting

If you have never used a privacy filter before, then you may find it difficult to use and adjust. This is because the filters block some light from entering the screen, making it harder to see the contents of your display.

But with a bit of practice, you can learn how to adjust the brightness and contrast of your display to make the most of your privacy filter.

Inability to Prevent Screen Content from Being Seen When Using Large Displays

Large screens such as TVs or projectors can provide a wide angle of view, making it easier for people to see what is being displayed. This means that privacy screen filters will be less effective when used with larger displays.

Thus, you should always take into account the size of the display that you are using when selecting a privacy filter.