Hidden cameras are not just the stuff of movies or fiction. In fact, when we go on vacation to a hotel or rented house, we can find ourselves with an unpleasant surprise. Our privacy could be compromised without us realizing it.
In 2022, buying a small camera is very easy and cheap (they start at 4 or 5 euros). Also, due to their small size, they can be hidden almost anywhere. In fact, no one thinks that they will be the victim of such a violation of privacy.
A (hidden) threat to privacy, especially during the summer holidays
On the other hand, the reasons that can lead someone to spy can range from a prank from a family member to extortion from a criminal. In fact, even recently it has been revealed that a person has been arrested for placing a hidden camera in a bottle of water in the bathrooms of an establishment in Palma de Mallorca.
However, there are some relatively simple application tips that can help us avoid situations like this. These are tips tested by Kaspersky, so readers will find them useful.
1. Buy a small hidden camera detector
Acquire special equipment. There are electromagnetic radiation detectors, optical detectors and other equipment for the detection of hidden cameras at the user level. the best, like QLUUE, are available on Amazon.ES.
The cheapest can be found for about 3 euros. The most common locations for hidden cameras are bathrooms and bedrooms, due to the sensitive images that can be obtained.
The most common hiding places are smoke detectors and electrical appliances, as well as paintings, clocks, vases and other decorative objects.
2. Use an Android and/or iOS app
Use an Android and/or iOS smartphone app. Mobile applications used for this purpose fall into two categories. The first group finds the camera through a lens flare, as in the previous method.
An example is the Glint Finder, which helps us detect burnt lenses. In the second group are applications designed to search for wireless spy devices. They require a connection to a local Wi-Fi network, and after scanning the router, they show all connected devices.
There are specific tools that help distinguish harmless computers from tracking devices. The positive thing about this alternative is that it is free. However, it won’t work with older devices or on crowded or public Wi-Fi networks, like those in hotels.
3. Use the smartphone that we have in our pocket
Use your smartphone. Another free alternative, instead of buying specific equipment, is to use your phone’s camera and flashlight. The method involves leaving the room dark, turning on the flashlight and camera, and aiming where you think the hidden camera might be. If we are right, we will see a glow on our screen where the spy camera is located.
Also, many of these cameras use infrared lighting to record their images in the dark, so our camera will receive it as a flickering dot. This method is not the most exhaustive, but we can do a superficial scan.
4. When there are strong suspicions, call the professionals
Hire a professional team (in extreme cases). Finally, if you suspect that the place where you are staying for a while, the place may have hidden cameras, it is safest to hire a team of experts.
There are people doing this in almost every city and you can find them on Craigslist and other websites. The advantages of this option are undoubtedly the efficiency and reliability of the professionalism in case there are clear suspicions that there may be a camera in the accommodation.
Finally, what should we do? As Kaspersky points out, taking a picture and doing an image search is recommended, because it may not be what you think it is. If suspicions are confirmed, they should go to the police.
The rules of sites like AirBnB explicitly prohibit hidden cameras, so you may be able to get your money back and relocate elsewhere.