With our first two campaigns out of the way, and more than 2800 of our rulers being used all over the world, we've decided to launch something a little different for one week only...

Introducing the CarbonCover!

The CarbonCover is a small, discrete and extremely easy to install premium webcam cover that protects you from being spied on. (We also use them to prevent the camera getting scratched on things like our iPads and phones.)

Cyber security is a big deal these days. We've all heard the stories that range from companies being hacked and vast amounts of data being stolen, to mass surveillance recording and gathering data on everything we do. Along with protecting the files on your devices, protecting yourselves (and others) is just as important!

Held securely in place with 3M adhesive backing, the CarbonCovers will fit to a vast range of devices - be it laptops, all-in-one desktops, tablets or even smartphones. A quick swipe of the finger will slide the cap to either reveal, or cover the camera lens. Fitted in seconds and easy to remove without causing any damage. They're made from the same premium materials as our last campaign, which really helps set them apart from the rest. Why use plastic when you can use carbon fibre?

• Super easy to install 
• Open or close the cover whenever you need with one finger
• 2 part carbon fibre construction
• 3M adhesive backing
• At 1mm thick you're able to close your laptop lid on it no problem

Our aim was not to create 'the thinnest webcam cover in the world', but rather, the best. (And the most carbon-y.)

We're fully aware that there is nothing new with the concept of covering up your webcam. Many people (famously including Mark Zuckerberg and former FBI head James Comey) use a little square of tape - as do many people that are interested in cyber-privacy. 

The problem with tape - as we've discovered for the last year or so of using it - is that it's not very practical. It needs to be removed when you want the camera and leaves a residue when you peel it off. They also ruin the look of your devices...

Already use tape? Go for a practicality and style upgrade with the CarbonCover! 

The CarbonCover fully blocks the webcam when closed, but a handy feature (tested on Apple devices) is that the LED indication light remains exposed - so whether a program you're using, a dodgy website or a hacker activates the webcam, you'll be aware of this even though they're not recording any image. 

But why do I need to cover my webcam?

Programs often sold as 'spy on your ex-girlfriend software' are available on the internet and allow people to spy on you using the webcam or front-facing cameras built into your devices. Simply put, if someone can control your webcam and record anything they want - isn’t this something you’d like to prevent? With access to a webcam, people can capture everything and privacy no longer exists. Closed door meetings at work, your children playing in the living room or even things far more intimate can all be targets for users of this type of software. (more on this at the bottom!)

Doing things differently. 

There have been several campaigns for webcam covers that have come and gone on Kickstarter before ours, with many of you probably having backed them! Unfortunately, it seems that there have been numerous issues with them. Everything from flimsy construction and unfeasibly small/thin components, through to supply chain issues, rewards simply not turning up and no communication from the creators.

We hope our simple approach to the design, and great track record of delivering a large volume of high quality carbon parts to backers all over the world will inspire a bit more confidence and keep as many of you safe from webcam hackers as possible!

Design & Prototyping.

With dimensions of 16.5 x 11 x 1mm, the CarbonCover is tiny. It's small enough to be completely unobtrusive, and yet its rounded edges and glossy carbon twill compliment the design of your device and really set itself apart from other webcam covers on the market. The best selling covers on sites like Amazon are also 1mm thick and in all the testing we've been doing we're yet to find an issue with closing a laptop lid on it.

To develop these covers we began by speaking to our fantastic manufacturing partners. With their advice on board, we made sure the design wouldn't be an issue for the manufacturing tolerances we've come to expect from them - a key area we feel many other campaigns have failed on due to designs that are unrealistic for accurate and consistent machining in large quantities. 

A few 3d printed prototypes later we were able to order our first batch of CarbonCovers to carry on testing. The comparatively large surface area for the 3M adhesive backing ensures the CarbonCover stays firmly in place on all your devices. The sliding lens cap is really easy to open and close with a single flick of the finger. No messy glue or magnets involved here! While the adhesive will remain sticky if you choose to remove the cover and apply to another device, we include a spare adhesive ring for just this eventuality! 

Rewards and Incentives.

If you like the CarbonCover, back it at whatever quantity takes your fancy - then share it with your friends and followers on social media to receive 1 FREE ADDITIONAL COVER! (Don't forget to post the link in the comment section above!)

Will the CarbonCovers fit my devices?

CarbonCovers can be secured to any device with a camera of up to 4.6mm in diameter. We have come across some larger webcams on old laptops, but the CarbonCover still works just fine. In these instances the edges of the cover may be just visible when you're using the webcam, but it will still be perfectly usable for skype/etc. When in the closed position, the lens is fully covered. 

Tell me more about webcam spying!

At just over a minute in length this video perfectly demonstrates why you want to have your webcam covered. It is now common knowledge that intelligence organisations around the world can access a webcam without the user ever knowing. However, the bigger privacy threat is actually from hackers, blackmailers and cyber stalkers - thanks mostly to the software being so easy to get hold of and install. If the CarbonCover isn't for you, and you don't fancy buying any of the alternatives, at least grab a bit of tape and get those cameras covered!