How to detect hidden cameras: Tips for travelers and residents
Directional microphones, hidden cameras and other tracking devices — it used to seem that they could only be found in spy movies. However, such devices can be found in rented apartments, hotels, offices, saunas and even in your own home. Today we will talk about ways to help you identify hidden cameras and ensure your privacy.
Who installs hidden cameras and why?
Miniature cameras are affordable: at the time of writing, they can be purchased for $4. Many of them can connect to Wi-Fi, which allows you to transfer data to cloud storage. The reasons for installing such devices can be different: apartment owners can use them for security, jealous spouses can monitor partners, and intruders can use them for blackmail or identity theft.
Surveys show that 11% of tourists who lived in apartments through Airbnb discovered hidden cameras. Since the cameras can be very small (1-2 mm in diameter) and camouflaged, they are quite difficult to find. Let's look at several ways to detect hidden cameras.
Method 1: Invite an expert
The most reliable way to find hidden cameras is to invite a professional with the appropriate equipment. The service can be ordered in large cities through ad services.
Advantages: high quality of search, confidence in the result, minimum personal effort. Disadvantages: the cost of the service, the waiting time for a specialist, possible restrictions in hotels or rented facilities.
Summary: suitable for those who are planning a long stay in a rented apartment or when buying a second home.
Method 2: Use special devices
You can purchase or assemble devices for detecting hidden cameras yourself. Electromagnetic radiation detectors or optical detectors are available. There are budget options starting from $3, as well as professional, more expensive ones.
Advantages: independence, the possibility of regular inspections, the possibility of self-production. Disadvantages: low range of cheap devices, high cost of professional detectors, the need for skills for self-manufacturing.
Summary: if you prefer to do everything yourself and do not trust your privacy to others, this method is for you.
Method 3: Use a smartphone
In some cases, it is possible to detect hidden cameras using a smartphone camera and a flashlight. In a darkened room, point the light at suspicious places. If there is a hidden camera, a glare will appear on the phone screen. You can also use your smartphone's camera to detect infrared radiation that some cameras may emit.
Advantages: free of charge, does not require special skills, accessibility. Disadvantages: not all smartphones are suitable, false alarms are possible, low efficiency.
Summary: This method is suitable for a cursory inspection, but may not reveal all hidden cameras.
Method 4: Use apps
There are applications that help you find hidden cameras or other tracking devices. Some of them are looking for reflections from lenses, while others are looking for devices connected to Wi—Fi.
Advantages: relatively high efficiency, minimum costs, and smartphone sufficiency for work. Disadvantages: Not suitable for smart homes or public Wi-Fi, inferior to specialized devices.
Summary: A good option for conscious travelers, especially when using proven apps.
What should I do if I find a spy device?
If you find a suspicious device, take a photo of it and check it using image search to make sure that it is something dangerous. If you have reason to believe that this is a hidden camera, contact the police or the hotel administration/accommodation booking service. For example, Airbnb prohibits the installation of hidden cameras, and some guests have received compensation or the opportunity to change their place of residence.
Final Safety Tips
To feel safe in an unfamiliar environment, use the following tips:
- Take an external battery with you to keep in touch.
- Install apps on your smartphone for convenient travel: maps, translators, etc.
- Do not leave valuables unattended.
- Do not use public computers for private correspondence or online shopping.
- Install a VPN application for secure connection and access to content.
By following these tips, you can better protect your privacy and protect yourself in an unfamiliar environment.