On June 23, 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 images of her while changing clothes. She reported the incident to the authorities, and at the same time warned people about similar devices “being sold widely on the market with many different shapes and functions and are extremely sophisticated, capable of put it anywhere”.
Not everyone can find hidden cameras like Chau Bui’s case. Hidden cameras come in many shapes, sizes and colors. For the purpose of secretly filming other people’s images, activities and conversations, they are often carefully disguised by bad guys.
According to security software maker Norton, hidden cameras are often hidden in 30 locations, including: Smoke detectors, small holes in the wall, pens, books, computer mice, ceiling/desk lamps , coat hooks, DVD cases, power sockets, alarm clocks/wall mounts, bookshelves, toys, showerheads, ventilation holes, doorbells, picture frames, decorations, mirrors, home appliances, air purifier…
Some ways to detect hidden cameras hidden in a room. Photo: Norton
Norton guides 3 simple ways to detect hidden cameras, all you need is a smartphone and mobile application.
1. Manual check
When coming to a rental apartment, hotel room… you should check the locations where hidden cameras can be installed as above. Turn on the flash on your phone to scan the room, looking for small blue or purple dots as the light sweeps across. If so, it’s likely the camera lens.
Turn off all the lights and close the curtains to keep the room dark. 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 see what it is.