Hacking Spy Cameras: Accessing Live Feeds Illegally

Hidden cameras are a serious invasion of privacy and can be hidden anywhere, from smoke detectors to mirrors to alarm clocks. They are often disguised as common household objects, such as smoke detectors, power outlets, and picture frames, but they can be tricky to detect as they come in various shapes and sizes. However, there are several ways to uncover these devices and protect your privacy. Here are some methods to see the feed from a spy camera:

- Visual Inspection: Look for items that seem out of place or suspicious. Check for reflective surfaces, small holes, or unusual objects that could conceal a camera lens.

- Radio Frequency (RF) Detectors: Use an RF detector to scan the room for radio feedback from hidden cameras.

- Wi-Fi Network Scanning: Check your Wi-Fi network for unknown or suspicious devices connected to your router.

- Smartphone Camera and Apps: Use your smartphone's front camera to detect infrared lights emitted by hidden cameras in a dark room. You can also use smartphone apps that combine Bluetooth scanning and infrared detection to find hidden cameras.

- Infrared Scanners: Infrared scanners can detect the invisible infrared light emitted by certain night vision cameras.

Use a smartphone camera and apps

Using a smartphone camera is one of the easiest ways to detect hidden cameras. This is because some hidden cameras emit IR (infrared radiation) light, which can be detected by your smartphone camera. Here are some ways you can use your smartphone camera and apps to detect hidden spy cameras:

Scan the Room with Your Camera App

Open your smartphone's camera app and point it around the room, looking for unusual lights or reflections. Some hidden cameras may emit IR light, which may appear as a blue-white, purple, or reddish light on your camera screen. You can test this by pointing your camera at a TV remote and pressing some buttons. If you see a bright light, it means your phone can detect IR light.

Use a Dedicated Hidden Camera Detector App

There are many free and paid apps available for both iOS and Android devices that can help detect hidden cameras. These apps typically use your phone's sensors to detect unusual signals or infrared lights. Some popular apps include Glint Finder for Android, and DontSpy 2 and Hidden Camera Detector for iOS.

Scan the Wi-Fi Network

Apps like Fing can scan your Wi-Fi network and locate all the connected devices, including hidden cameras. Simply download the app, connect to the Wi-Fi network, and let the app scan for any unknown or suspicious devices.

Detect Bluetooth Cameras

If you suspect the use of Bluetooth cameras, enable Bluetooth on your phone and scan for available devices. Take note of any unknown device names and run a web search to see if they resemble any known camera products.

Detect Covert Wi-Fi Cameras

You can also try to detect covert Wi-Fi cameras by simply enabling Wi-Fi on your phone and looking for any devices nearby that don't appear to be routers. However, this method may not always work as wireless networks can be hidden. In such cases, you can use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to detect hidden wireless networks.

Other Tips

• Remove your phone case before attempting to detect hidden cameras, as it may improve detection.
• Hold your phone correctly when scanning. Holding it flat may not work due to the placement of the phone's sensors.
• Be aware of the technology in the room. TVs, computers, smart assistants, and other hardware can interfere with detection.
• Look for unusual objects or devices, such as smoke detectors, air purifiers, or picture frames that could conceal a camera.
• Inspect your Wi-Fi network for any unknown or suspicious devices.
• Be cautious of unusual wires, batteries, or heat sources, which could be signs of hidden cameras.

Inspect the room manually

If you suspect that there is a spy camera in the room, you can perform a manual inspection to try and locate it. Here are some detailed steps you can take:

• Scan the room carefully: Pay attention to common places as well as uncommon places. Look for any oddities or items that don't seem to belong.
• Examine everyday items: Hidden cameras can be concealed in daily objects such as clocks, smoke detectors, picture frames, lamps, flowerpots, or even items like alarm clocks, couch cushions, and wall decorations. Be vigilant for small lenses or pinholes that might indicate a camera lens.
• Check for out-of-place objects: Be cautious with objects that seem strangely positioned or facing private areas, such as beds or bathrooms.
• Investigate wires and electronic devices: Look out for unnecessary wires or devices plugged into places where they shouldn't be. Hidden cameras often require power, so unusual wiring can be a giveaway.
• Search for hidden holes or gaps: Inspect walls, decorative items, or fixtures for small holes or gaps that could house a camera. Even the tiniest openings can be potential spots for pinhole cameras.
• Use a flashlight: Darken the room by closing curtains and turning off the lights. Then, use a flashlight to scan the room thoroughly. Pay attention to any small blinking lights, as many hidden cameras have red or green LEDs that blink or stay illuminated in low-light conditions. The reflective surface of a camera lens will often give away its location when light is shone on it.
• Listen for faint buzzing: Some hidden cameras with motion sensors make an almost inaudible buzz when in operation.
• Test mirrors: Place your finger against the mirror. If there's a gap between your finger and its reflection, it's a real mirror. If it looks like your finger and its reflection are touching tip-to-tip, it could be a two-way mirror or masking a hidden camera.

Check the Wi-Fi network

If you suspect that there is a spy camera on your premises, one of the first things you can do is check your Wi-Fi network. Most wireless hidden cameras are connected to Wi-Fi so that they can be viewed remotely.

If you are at home, log in to the admin account on your router and find which devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network. Spy cameras usually show up as "unknown device" or have strange names. You can then remove the device from your network so that it won't work normally.

If you don't know the admin account details, you can download a Wi-Fi scanning app, which can identify all the devices on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Look out for any signs of a hidden camera.

However, this method won't always work because devices such as printers can't be identified either. Also, cameras that record locally won't be found this way.

If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, you may be given access to the local network. You can use an app such as Fing to scan the Wi-Fi network for unknown devices or devices that identify themselves as cameras.

If you have access, disconnect all your devices except the phone or tablet running the Wi-Fi scanning app so that you have fewer things to sort through. Then, connect your device to the network and open the app.

Wait for the app to finish scanning, then look through the list of found devices. Keep an eye out for anything that shows a camera manufacturer (e.g. Nest, Arlo, Wyze) or lists as "IP Camera". Some devices, including cameras, may show up as "Generic".

Even if you don't spot a camera on this list, take note of how many devices you see listed and what you can find around the place you are staying. If something stands out as unusual, write down the IP address and scan for open ports.

If you find any suspicious devices on the network, scan for any open ports those devices are using. Type the IP address and then tap the button to find open ports.

The list will show what ports are open and what services they use. Keep an eye out for RTSP and RTMP; those are common for streaming video. Anything with HTTP or HTTPS as a service can be tried to connect to with a browser, which may reveal video streaming. Just type the IP address into your browser, followed by a colon, and then the port listed (e.g. 192.168.0.15:80).

Use a radio frequency detector

Radio frequency (RF) detectors are a reliable and targeted approach to finding hidden cameras. They work by detecting the radio frequency emitted by hidden cameras and providing an alert when they pick up a signal. This could be an auditory signal, like a beep, or a visual alert. As you get closer to the source of the radio frequency, the alert will intensify.

RF detectors are available to purchase online or in stores, with prices starting at around $20. Basic models can detect signals in the UHF spectrum, while more expensive models can detect multiple frequencies. When using an RF detector, it is important to minimise interference from other electronic devices. Turn off and unplug any gadgets that emit radio signals, such as kitchen appliances, baby monitors, routers, and televisions. This will help to reduce false positives and enhance the detector's ability to pinpoint hidden cameras.

When using an RF detector to search for hidden cameras, it is important to be methodical. Move slowly and cover all areas where a hidden camera might be installed, including less obvious spots like smoke detectors, light fixtures, or air vents. Pay particular attention to areas that offer a clear view of the room. If the detector signals a potential camera, closely inspect the area. Sometimes, a detailed physical examination is required to confirm the presence of a hidden device.

In addition to RF detectors, there are other methods for detecting hidden cameras. One way is to use a smartphone camera or app. If your phone has an infrared light camera, you can open the camera and scan the room for small bursts of steady or flashing light, which may indicate the presence of a hidden camera. There are also smartphone apps that combine technologies like Bluetooth scanning and infrared detection to find unidentified devices within range. However, be cautious when downloading apps, as apps from third-party stores may contain malware.

Another method is to manually inspect the area for hidden cameras. Carefully run a flashlight around the room, looking for tiny blue or purple reflections that could indicate a camera lens. You can also investigate LED lights, as small lights shining in a dark room could indicate a hidden camera. Check for objects that seem out of place, such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, or picture frames, as these items could be used to conceal cameras. Finally, scrutinise wires and search for small holes or gaps that could house a camera.

Use your phone's flashlight

If you're concerned about your privacy and suspect that there might be a spy camera in your space, one of the easiest ways to detect it is by using your phone's flashlight. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, it's important to understand how spy cameras work. Many hidden cameras use infrared (IR) light to capture footage in low-light conditions or darkness. Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, but it can be detected by the camera sensor on your smartphone. By using your phone's flashlight and scanning the room, you can reveal any hidden cameras that are emitting infrared light.

To begin the detection process, turn off all the lights in the room or area you suspect is being monitored. Make sure you do this during the daytime or in a dark environment to ensure the infrared lights are activated.

Next, take out your smartphone and turn on the flashlight function. Slowly pan your phone's flashlight around the room, paying close attention to any reflective surfaces or objects. Spy cameras are often hidden in everyday items such as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, power outlets, and toys. Carefully inspect these items and look for tiny reflections or lights.

The colour of the reflection or light can vary, but it is often described as blue, purple, or white. These colours are indicative of infrared light, which is commonly used by hidden cameras. If you spot any small bursts or reflections of light in these colours, it is likely that you have found a hidden camera.

Another technique to try is to use your phone's camera app. Open the camera app and point it around the room, especially in areas where you suspect spy equipment might be hidden. Look for light bursts, as this could indicate the presence of a hidden camera. You can also test this method on a TV remote by pointing the remote at your camera and pressing some buttons. If you see a bright light on your screen, it means your phone's camera can detect infrared light.

Remember, using your phone's flashlight is just one method of detecting spy cameras. There are also other techniques you can employ, such as manual inspections, smartphone apps, RF detectors, and Wi-Fi network scanning. However, the flashlight method is a simple and effective way to start your search for hidden cameras.

Frequently asked questions