More BusinessTravel, Less Privacy (NAPSA)—There are snoops amongthetroops. Addinginsult to injury, they’re admitting it. According to a recent survey, nearly half (42 percent) of business travelers have indicated that they have shielded their work for fear that someone is looking over their shoulder. That should not come as a surprise since nearly 40 percent of business travelers admit to casting an errant eye on an unsuspecting seatmate—an increase of more than 11 percent from 2001. Snooping is prevalent every- wherefrom offices to public places, and victims are more aware than ever. One third (34 percent) of Americans admit to peeking over the shoulder of an office colleague to catch a covert glimpse of an inviting computer screen. The survey also found a five percent increase in the numberof people who travel for business at least once a month and use a computer while on their business trip. As a result, the “snooping issue” becomes extremely serious for the growing numberof business travelers who are workingin public on private or sensitive documents. “Given the advanced technology and increased mobility of the computer age, public areas have become commonplace as a replacement for the office,” said Sharon Middendorf, 3M Optics Engineer. “The effect of snoopers can not only be damaging, but alarming as well. Computer users in public places should be extremely cautious and protective of the information on their screens.” Close the Blinds on Snoopers The 3M line of privacy filters for notebook computers and desktop monitors uses a proprietary microlouver technology, which workslike the mini-blinds used on windows to block the screen to anyone viewing from theside of Privacyfilters help keep people from peeking at your com- puter screen. the computer. Only persons directly in front of the monitor are able to see on-screen documents while others from the side see a dark, blank screen. The privacy filters for notebooks offer a virtually hidden attachment system that allows the filter to fit snugly inside the bezel of the screen. They may remain on the screen at all times and stay in place when the notebook is closed, requiring no special storage. When privacyfilters are used on liquid crystal display (LCD) desktop monitors, the snug fit offers unobtrusive protection in addition to privacy. Privacy filters also are available with satin black and dove gray frames for desktop LCDs. 3M offers a line a of privacy filters for notebook and desktop computers, including the most recent addition of anti-glare and privacy filters for 17-inch and 18.1-inch LCD desktop computer monitors. The prices of the privacy filters range from $85 to $440. For more information about the privacy filters or other computer filter products, contact 3M Optical Systems Division at 1-800-5539215, or visit www.3M.com/ews.
