What is a Privacy Screen Protector?

In the first half of 2024, the Australian Government received over 500 data breach notifications, the highest number since 2020. Of these, 38% were cyber security incidents, where sensitive information became exposed to malicious cyber actors.

However, not every data breach comes down to malware or hacking. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple glance at your phone screen – and that's where a privacy screen protector can be invaluable.

Find out why these smartphone accessories may be the key to truly keeping your private data private while out in public.

 What Are Privacy Screen Protectors?

Privacy screen protectors are glass or plastic films that can be applied to the surface of your phone's screen.

As a simple security solution, these thin films show a darkened image for anyone trying to look at your phone from the side. To see the screen's contents, you'll need to look at it straight on.

This means that you can browse private messages and emails, spreadsheets, work documents, or photos, without worrying that a stranger, colleague, or friend will get a glimpse of something they're not supposed to.

How Do Privacy Screen Protectors Work?

Privacy screen protectors feature films that polarise light to obscure the information on your phone screen.

Each film is made up of micro-louvres, tiny blinds that act as filters for light. When viewed from an angle, these blinds become closed, therefore darkening the screen. However, when looked at straight on, they allow light to pass through for a clear view of the display.

Before you invest, it should be noted that the effectiveness of a privacy screen protector depends on the privacy angle it offers; those with wider angles will make your screen more exposed, but make it easier for you to see the display.

Most protectors also won't stop someone standing directly behind you from seeing the screen, so always be mindful of your surroundings when viewing sensitive information.

Why You Need a Privacy Screen Protector: 4 Key Benefits

Whether you frequently work on the go or simply don't want strangers to see your banking information in a public space, privacy screen protectors offer the ideal security solution for a variety of lifestyle needs.

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider investing in this accessory:

1. Prevent Visual Hacking

Visual hacking involves individuals accessing private information by looking at your phone screen without permission. This could include anything from photos and text messages to passwords, banking PIN codes, legal documents, or client information.

Like many of us in today's fast-paced world, if you're regularly on the go and rely on your smartphone to stay connected, you're more vulnerable to visual hacking.

However, by making your screen less visible to onlookers, you can enjoy peace of mind that any private data will remain safe from potential threats.

2. Enhances Your Phone's Functionality

The best privacy screen protectors come with an anti-glare coating. This technology reduces the sun's reflection, making it easier to use your phone in bright conditions, whether you're working outdoors during the summer or browsing social media on the beach.

By dimming the screen, you can also use your phone without disturbing your partner or roommate at night with the bright light! 

3. Provide Impact Protection

Along with shielding private information, privacy films also offer physical screen protection for your phone, particularly if they're made from tough tempered glass.

Like regular screen protectors, those with a privacy filter have impact-absorbing properties that prevent the screen from shattering upon contact with the ground or other hard surfaces.

When used with a shockproof phone case, screen protectors can therefore extend the lifespan of your phone, while also keeping the display free from scratches and cracks.

4. Blue Light Reduction

Another key feature of most privacy screen protectors is blue light reduction. By lowering the levels of blue light emitted by your phone screen, privacy films help to prevent eye strain.

Blue light can also disrupt your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to maintain your circadian rhythm, or body clock. This impacts your sleeping pattern and has been linked to the development of a range of health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, cancer, reproductive problems, mood disorders, and premature death.

So, not only do they keep out prying eyes, but screen protectors also play a key role in your physical and mental well-being.

Do Privacy Screen Protectors Have Any Disadvantages?

While limited viewing angles are ideal for protecting sensitive information from onlookers, they're not so great when you're looking at the phone head-on. This can make it difficult for you to see the screen yourself or share it with friends.

Privacy screen protectors also make the device's screen brightness much lower. Again, this is beneficial when it comes to privacy. However, it forces you to increase the brightness level, which drains the phone's battery much more quickly.

Choosing a particularly thick screen protector means you may struggle to use key features like fingerprint unlock, as the screen protector creates a barrier between your skin and the display. To tackle this issue, be sure to choose a film that's highly touch-sensitive, otherwise the phone may find it difficult to recognise your unique fingerprint.

Finding the Best Privacy Screen Protector

The ideal screen protector should strike a good balance between privacy, protection, and maintaining your phone's touchscreen functionality. Consider the following factors when buying a privacy screen:

• Viewing Angles: While some screen protectors offer narrow angles for complete privacy, others allow viewing at angles up to 60 degrees. Narrower angles are a better choice if you're regularly handling sensitive information in public spaces.
• Screen Brightness: Although you will have to sacrifice some screen brightness, a quality screen protector should still keep your device's display clear in a range of lighting conditions.
• Touch Sensitivity: Not only is touch compatibility essential for typing messages and navigating your phone, but it also allows you to access key security features like fingerprint unlock. Ensure the privacy screen protector you choose has a good level of touch sensitivity.
• Impact Protection: Choose a protector that keeps your phone screen free from scratches and cracks. Tempered glass screen protectors offer the most durability and are less likely to shatter upon impact with hard surfaces.
• Additional Features: Look for features such as anti-glare coatings, blue light reduction, and hygienic anti-smudge materials to prevent fingerprint marks.
• Phone Compatibility: Always select a privacy screen protector based on whether it's built for your specific phone model, rather than by display size. Each device has a different frame size, which means that they require a specially designed screen protector to ensure full privacy and protection.
• Easy Installation: Look for a privacy screen protector that comes with an installation guide that helps you line it up perfectly with the display, without creating air bubbles on the surface.

At Ghostek, our screen protectors feature everything from 8H tempered glass hardness to a 28-degree angle for complete privacy and peace of mind. Browse our full screen protector collection for your Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device today to enjoy full protection from visual hacking.