7 Tips for the truly paranoid PC user - Tip #3

Disable the built-in microphone

Disable your laptop’s built-in microphone to ensure that your private conversations stay private.

Just as your machine’s webcam can give hackers a window into your private world, your laptop’s built-in microphone—typically enabled by default—can fall prey to remote hijacking and allow snoops to eavesdrop on all conversations in its vicinity.

To ensure that no one can listen in on your home or office, launch the Sound applet from the Control Panel. Click the Recording tab, select your laptop’s built-in microphone, and disable it.

Of course, taking this step doesn’t prevent a malicious hacker who has already compromised your laptop from reenabling it. If you’re really paranoid, you can disable the built-in microphone permanently simply by poking it with the business end of a needle or paper clip. The espionage game has its casualties.