When using video calls, it's essential to ensure that your microphone and camera are private to avoid unwanted situations or exposure. To achieve this, you can use various tools such as webcam covers, apps like OverSight and Micro Snitch for Mac, and Shush, Mute Me, MicMute, and other similar Windows apps. These tools can help you hide your camera, mute your mic, and disable notifications to maintain your privacy. Additionally, you can also add a microphone mute workflow to an automation app or use the command line to achieve this. By using these tools, you can ensure that your video calls are private and secure, giving you peace of mind when collaborating online.