Security expert guides 3 ways to detect hidden cameras

On June 25, model Chau Bui shared on her personal Facebook page that she had just become a victim of a hidden camera. Accordingly, she discovered a hidden camera disguised as a watch hidden in the bathroom, recording her while changing clothes. She reported the incident to the authorities, and warned people about similar devices "being sold widely on the market with many different shapes, functions and are extremely sophisticated, and can be placed anywhere".

Not everyone can find hidden cameras like Chau Bui. Hidden cameras come in many shapes, sizes and colors. With the purpose of secretly recording other people's images, activities and conversations, they are often carefully disguised by bad guys.

According to security software manufacturer Norton, hidden cameras are often hidden in 30 locations, including: Smoke detectors, small holes in the wall, pens, books, computer mice, ceiling lights/desk lamps, hangers, DVD cases, electrical outlets, alarm clocks/wall clocks, bookshelves, toys, showers, vents, doorbells, picture frames, decorations, mirrors, household appliances, air purifiers, etc.

Norton guides 3 simple ways to detect hidden cameras, all you need is a smartphone and mobile application.

1. Manual testing

When you arrive at a rental apartment, hotel room, etc., you should check for hidden camera locations as above. Turn on the flashlight on your phone to scan the room, looking for small blue or purple dots when the light sweeps through. If there are any, it is likely a camera lens.

Turn off all the lights and close the curtains to darken the room. If you see small lights in the room, this could be a sign of a hidden camera. To protect yourself, unplug the device or search online to find out what it is.

Also, look for items that seem out of place. For example, stuffed animals in a modern apartment. Items like alarm clocks, smoke detectors, and picture frames can also be used to hide hidden cameras.

Checking electrical wires is also a good idea, as they may be connected to hidden cameras. Don’t forget to check every little hole/nook in walls, furniture, decorations, and statues. Finally, check mirrors with this simple trick: Touch the surface of the mirror with your finger. If it’s a real mirror, you should see a gap between your finger and the mirror; if it’s a two-way mirror or a hidden camera, your fingers should almost touch.

2. Use the app and phone camera

If your phone has an infrared camera, you can use it to find hidden cameras. Turn on the camera and scan the room for steady or flashing lights, which could be hidden cameras. Or you can use apps that combine different technologies, such as Bluetooth scanning and infrared detection. They will find devices in close proximity. However, never download apps from unofficial app stores, as you run the risk of downloading malware. Remember, always download from Google Play, the App Store, and trusted websites.

3. Check Wi-Fi network

Some hidden cameras connect to the Internet so that bad guys can control and monitor them remotely. If they're connected to Wi-Fi in the room, you can find out by checking your wireless network.

If you’re at home, log in with your router’s admin account and look for connected devices. Hidden cameras often show up as “unknown device” or have strange names. You should remove them from your network. If you’re away, download a Wi-Fi scanner app. It will detect all the devices on your Wi-Fi network. Look for suspicious names like “Ipcamera” or “InteriorCam.”

What to do when discovering a hidden camera?

If you find a hidden camera in your accommodation, follow these steps: Cover the camera but do not remove or damage it; take photos or videos as evidence; leave the apartment if you feel unsafe; report it to the authorities.