A good VPN and secure password are some of the primary means to protect your data from online cybercriminals. Sometimes it’s not just the cybercriminals that you need to be afraid of. Think of the individuals seated right next to you and the ones at the back. It’s very easy for them to just lean over and before you know it your both reading and watching whatever is on your computer or smartphone display. With just one glance, they can see your password and gain access to all of your accounts.
If stolen glances from neighbours around make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, then what you need is a privacy screen protector.
A privacy screen protector is a thin layer of plastic that’s placed over your screen to prevent side and back glances from visual hackers.
To pick out the right privacy screen protector, you first of all need to understand the materials used in their production and the level of protection they can offer to your device. The advantages and disadvantages also have to be considered so that you know what to expect. All this is explained in detail in the next paragraphs.
Materials used in the production of privacy screen protectors
The make of privacy screen protectors may vary according to each manufacturer. However, there are common materials used such as the many layers of PET plastic or tempered glass. Tempered glass is a durable material that offers protection against scratches and cracks. On top of this layer sits an extra thinner layer called an anti-spy filter. It limits how much information can be viewed from your display at various angles.
Level of protection offered by a privacy screen protector
Some privacy screen protectors’ users the micro louvre technology which allows light coming from the phone display to instead pass through certain angles. An easier explanation of this is to see how window blinds work but this time at a microscopic level.
The anti-spy layer/filter stands at a narrow front angle of 60 or 90 degrees. With this kind of positioning, whoever looks at your display beyond that angle is unable to see anything.
Other privacy screen protectors use the tempered glass or film that has a privacy layer. Getting full-screen coverage on tempered glass can be challenging more so when the phone has a curved screen. It’s one of the best options for hiding what’s on your display from prying eyes.
The privacy screen protectors narrow the viewing angle so that anyone standing or sitting next to you can’t see what’s on your screen from the side.
Just like any other screen protectors on the market, privacy screen protectors can be easy to navigate around or may have a few hindrances here are there as explained through the advantages and disadvantages below.
Advantages of privacy screen protectors
- Display privacy
Just to know that the data displayed on your front screen is safe from prying eyes is enough because you have a privacy screen protector. You can now comfortably open your phone in public and log into your accounts, social media sites, read emails without worrying that someone else is watching.
- Reduced light distribution
The privacy screen protector comes in handy situations where say you’re in a public area or maybe you’re in the same bedroom with your spouse and want to use your phone. The light blue light emitted by the phone can bother them causing them not to sleep well. However, with a privacy screen protector, all the light is focused on you the user. Ordinary screen protectors that lack an anti-spy film are unable to do this causing much light to be distributed around the room.
- Screen protection
Privacy screen protectors protect more than just your privacy. Privacy screen protectors also protect your display against scratches, accidental bumps, and drops. It’s like having a standard screen protector but with extra benefits.
- Some have extra features
Some privacy screen protectors come with other features like anti-fingerprint effect meaning fingerprints don’t stick and can easily be cleaned off. Others even come full enabled with the anti-glare effect which protects direct sunrays from bouncing onto your phone display when using.
Disadvantages of privacy screen protectors
- Empty promises from manufacturers
Sometimes certain privacy screen protectors don’t offer all the services they claim they do. For example when they say you won’t have challenges with clarity, sometimes it’s never the case. If your device screen isn’t so clear you can increase the brightness however the downside to it is that your battery gets drained fast. In the long run, it also reduces the effectiveness of the privacy film especially when the phone is tilted away.
- Can be difficult adjusting
Having to hold the phone directly to your face is not only tiring but can also be a challenge to adjust to. You have to get used to not seeing the usual side way notifications too. However, with patience and more phone use, anyone can adjust and get acquainted with how the system works.
- You may choose the wrong privacy screen protector
Originally the anti-spy film has two sides of “anti-peep” if you may say while others have four sides. However, it’s the four-sided anti-spy film that can completely protect your personal information from being viewed from all angles. That’s why is necessary that you choose the right one depending on your expectations.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, privacy screen protectors remain one of the best solutions to fight visual hackers. It’s very evident from the advantages and the level of protection they offer. To fully benefit from privacy screen protectors, you have to be patient as you adjust to the slightly reduced display version of your screen, unlike the usual big display you were used to. If you don’t want people around you snooping or leaning forward to eves drop on what you’re reading, what you’re watching, and which sites you’ve logged onto every time you pop your screen open. Invest in a privacy screen protector to save you from future losses and regrets.
