Last Updated on December 11, 2019 by Christopher G Mendla
Surveillance cameras can read your texts and passwords that you type in. It is possible for a surveillance camera to read the screen of your phone and watch what you are typing.
This is getting creepy.
An article from 2012 mentioned that is was possible then. Advances in both mobile device resolution and camera capabilities mean that this is even more of an issue.
Surveillance cameras are now so powerful they are able to zoom in and read your text messages – leading to fears of further privacy intrusion by a ‘Big Brother’ style state.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2140360/Watch-type-Surveillance-cameras-strong-read-text-messages.html
Reality Check
This isn’t exactly a dire emergency. There are some factors to consider. Most phone apps and mobile sites don’t expose your email or login id. Even if someone got your password, they still need to get your id.
On the other hand, consider a scenario where you are shopping for a car. You provide your email as part of your loan application. Now, if they get a password, they have a fair chance of compromising you unless your are set up with 2 factor authentication.
Precautions
This is almost the same as ‘shoulder surfing’ where someone stands behind you and watches you type in your password. The difference is that the average person probably has more chance of being aware of a nearby person than they would be of a camera in the ceiling.
When you are in a public place where cameras are present or there is a possibility of them being present, be wary of using your phone. Try to be in a position where it would be difficult or impossible to see your screen.