How to detect hidden surveillance cameras in tourist apartments

Thanks to technological advances, managing a trip is becoming easier, faster and cheaper. Booking flights and accommodations tailored to your needs is just a click away. But technology has also brought with it new risks and concerns for travelers. One of them is privacy, which is often compromised by these advances.

In recent years, some travelers have been surprised to discover hidden surveillance cameras in compromised locations on the property they were staying at. Often these spy cameras are found in properties booked through platforms such as Airbnb.

With the large supply of surveillance devices, prices have dropped significantly and these types of accessories have become an affordable product for the general public. In addition, the sophistication of these devices is increasing and they have reduced their size to a point where they are almost imperceptible to the human eye.

It is understandable, therefore, that many people are concerned about the possibility of being watched by cameras in moments of intimacy. So much so, that this problem is increasingly commented by the hosts of platforms like Airbnb when they share their experiences on social networks. Many travelers are afraid of finding spy cameras in rooms as intimate as the bathroom or bedroom.

"We are being watched?

Actual (and known) cases related to spy cameras don't seem to be particularly common, but they do occur from time to time. Airbnb has taken much of the flak for incidents involving spy cameras. The controversy also comes from some reports that the company has been slow to take customer complaints seriously.

Airbnb's current policy on the matter is unequivocal. Security cameras and noise detection devices are permitted«as long as they are clearly stated in the description of the advertisement and do not infringe on people's privacy».

In other words, there is a clear prohibition of hidden and undisclosed devices that are placed to monitor common spaces. Any such device must be installed «visibly and disclosed in the description of the advertisement». Also devices located in private spaces, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and sleeping areas, such as sofa beds. Disconnected devices are allowed as long as they are turned off and their existence is proactively communicated to guests.

With more than seven million accommodations worldwide, it is very difficult for the company to control these rules. That means guests can be proactive and take action. In fact, considering how creepy the discovery of surveillance cameras can be, ?why not arm yourself with knowledge on how to avoid this scenario – or at least dispel any lingering doubts?

?How to find a hidden surveillance camera?

In that sense, ESET, a cybersecurity expert company, offers the following tips to detect a spy camera in a holiday accommodation:

Scan the room.Sometimes the oldest ones are the best. Look for hidden cameras in plain sight, perhaps in clocks, smoke detectors, speakers or even light bulbs. If there are any suspicious-looking devices facing beds or showers, it may be worth further investigation.

Use a flashlight. The lenses of cameras are made of glass, which means they are reflective. Therefore, if you dim the lights and shine a flashlight through the housing you can check to see if there is indeed something hidden in an appliance or piece of furniture.

Check for night vision lights. Dimming the lights or turning them off also helps to detect the red or green LED indicators that identify night vision cameras. Move slowly and neatly around the property to try to identify them, as they can be quite small.

Use an app. Developers have been working on a mobile app that uses the time-of-flight (ToF) sensor in phones to find spy cameras hidden in everyday objects. There are also applications and other software, including security software, that can scan networks not only for weak spots, but also to help find connected devices on it. However, in a modern property there can be quite a few smart home devices, so distinguishing innocuous devices from suspicious ones may not always be a straightforward proposition. It is also possible that some hosts may use another network to spy on their guests.

Detect radio frequency signals.

A final telltale sign of a hidden camera is to examine the radio frequency (RF) signals that the camera may be using to connect to a hidden network. Devices are available to detect this activity, although they can be quite expensive. An alternative is to make a call to a family member or friend and, in the meantime, walk the property. A hidden camera can interfere with your phone's signal, so if this happens, it is a good indicator that there could be a hidden surveillance camera there.