In an Airbnb room, in a hotel or even in a rented apartment, attackers can leave a hidden camera, or even several. Some people think that looking for them is an extra reason for paranoia, but the news about travelers who found cameras in lamps, TVs and even pillows says otherwise. For example, in 2019, a family traveling to Ireland found a hidden camera in a fake smoke detector on the ceiling. The tourist connected to Wi-Fi and noticed in the list of devices connected to the network called “IP-camera”. Using his phone, he scanned ports and found a live video broadcast from his room on the Internet. Such stories are not the first year, but rare tourists are watching. Warned – so armed: we tell you how to find hidden cameras in rented accommodation.
What are the cameras ?
Most home cameras connect to the Internet through a wireless network. The material can be viewed remotely or uploaded to the server. More expensive models are connected via a cable that simultaneously charges the camera. There are also good old analog “bugs” that do not have access to the Internet and record everything on the SD card.
How to detect cameras
Cameras with Internet access can be found through software. First of all, connect to the local network: login and password are usually placed at the entrance or at the reception. If your hidden camera is connected to a Wi-Fi network that you have access to, Fing or WiFiman, both available for iOS and Android, will help detect it. Applications scan your network and display a list of connected devices, as well as additional information: hardware, IP address, manufacturer, model name and device type.
Wi-Fi is often connected to TVs, smart lamps or other devices with the appropriate name. Look for a name that seems suspicious: something with an IP, camera, web, etc. Attackers can rename the device, so beware of anything suspicious.
In addition, you can search for webcams and analogs yourself. They are often placed in front of a bed, shower, closet or window, inside inconspicuous household items that no one usually touches. Cameras that require constant charging are installed in an electronic device with an existing cable or where it is easy to hide a thin wire.
So, as soon as you arrive in the room, check the following places:
- vents
- smoke detectors
- AC adapters
- sensors
- Phones
- table lamps and floor lamps
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- sockets
- wall clock
- frames
- soft toys
- furniture corners
- Mirror
- alarm clock
- soap dish
- toothbrush holder
- napkin boxes
- DVD player or stereo
Can I find the camera with the naked eye?
Rather no: the camera may be invisible against a dark background of the clock or sensor. You can detect “bugs” by shining a bright light on them. To do this, close the curtains tightly and walk through the places listed above with the flash or flashlight on. The cameras will display a slight blue glow. Try pointing a flashlight at your phone’s camera – the hidden camera looks about the same.
Unfortunately, this approach does not work for mirrors and other highly reflective surfaces. For reliability, walk around the room again, turning on the night vision function in the smartphone: the cameras now flash red.
What to do next
If you find a suspicious camera, you should immediately contact the police and write a complaint to the place where you stop. In the story told at the beginning, the family managed to get compensation from Airbnb.
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: The doctor named a drink that burns fat on the abdomen and liver