Latest news with #Fing
Mint
08-07-2025
- Mint
Hidden cameras in hotel rooms and Airbnbs? 5 things to check
You've travelled far, looked forward to your stay at a carefully chosen hotel or Airbnb after thorough research, only to be hit with the unsettling thought, 'What if someone's watching me?' Despite stricter policies and platform guidelines, hidden cameras in accommodations remain a growing concern for travellers. While not every room has a hidden camera, the rising number of incidents where travellers have discovered recording devices disguised as everyday items is enough to set off alarm bells. But the good news is that spotting hidden cameras doesn't require expensive equipment or tech skills. All it takes is a few simple steps and a little extra attention when you enter your room. Step 1: Check the usual suspects If there's one place you should inspect the moment you walk into your hotel or Airbnb room, it's the ceiling. Security experts say smoke detectors on the ceiling are one of the most common spots for hidden cameras. Look for strange holes, odd blinking lights or designs that don't match standard models. Also, check the corners of the ceiling and wall joints. You'll often find motion sensors or passive infrared (PIR) devices installed there. These are typically used for lights or alarms, but with a little tweaking, they can double as hidden cameras. If you notice one pointing straight at the bed or bathroom, that's a red flag. Step 2: Trust your eyes and gut Take a moment to scan the room carefully. Look for objects that seem oddly placed, especially electronics or furniture angled toward the bed or bathroom. Be wary of random USB chargers left plugged in; they're rarely provided by hotels and could be suspicious. Common hiding spots include air purifiers, alarm clocks, mirrors, routers, TV boxes and decorative items. Watch for tiny holes, strange reflections or anything that feels out of place. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn't sit right, don't ignore it. A second look might just help you spot a hidden lens before it catches you. Your smartphone can be a handy tool for spotting hidden cameras. Turn off the lights in the room, then use your phone or smartwatch flashlight to slowly scan mirrors, electronics, and corners. Camera lenses, even tiny ones, often reflect light and a quick glint might give them away. You can also install a Wi-Fi scanning app like Fing or Nmap to check all devices connected to the network. Look for anything unusual, like devices labelled 'IP camera' or unfamiliar names. Keep in mind, some cameras may use separate networks, but this method can still help spot the obvious ones hiding in plain sight. Step 4: Carry a detector (Optional, but handy) If you travel often or feel uneasy about privacy, investing in a portable camera detector can be a good idea. These pocket-sized devices use infrared technology to spot hidden lenses, even in low light. Simply scan suspicious areas and watch for a flashing signal indicating a potential camera. However, they're not foolproof, they work best at close range and can sometimes pick up signals from harmless electronics. Use them as part of your overall room check, not a standalone solution. Step 5: What to do if you spot something If you find a suspicious device, don't tamper with it immediately. Take clear photos, unplug it if safe and notify hotel staff or your Airbnb host. If the response feels shady or dismissive, leave the property and report the issue to local authorities and the platform you booked through. If they don't take it seriously and you are unable to leave, use tape or gum to cover the hidden camera lens temporarily until you have a chance to go out or change the room. Make camera checks part of your travel routine Don't just check in, check around as well. Most hosts and hotels are honest and value your privacy. But in today's world, it's wise to stay alert. Making a quick privacy check part of your travel routine, like checking for the Wi-Fi password, can go a long way in keeping your trip safe and stress-free.
Tom's Guide
05-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Hidden cameras in hotels and Airbnbs are more common than you think — 5 ways to protect your privacy
Hidden cameras in accommodations have become a growing concern for travelers worldwide, with surveillance devices discovered in hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels across the globe. Despite laws and platform policies banning indoor cameras, unauthorized recording devices remain a concern. The chances of encountering a hidden camera are relatively low, but taking a few minutes to check your room provides valuable peace of mind. While spy cameras can be incredibly small and high-tech, the hidden cameras actually used in hotels and rentals are usually much easier to spot if you know what to look for. A quick security sweep should become as routine as checking the Wi-Fi password or locating emergency exits. Here's how to protect your privacy and give yourself peace of mind during your stay. Security experts consistently identify smoke detectors as the most popular location for hidden cameras in accommodation. Check ceiling-mounted smoke detectors for unusual openings that could conceal lenses, odd shapes that don't match standard detectors, or extra indicator lights that seem out of place. Examine each corner of the room, particularly around ceiling coving or wall joints where passive infrared (PIR) sensors might be installed. These motion sensors are commonly used for security alarms or automatic lighting but can house cameras. Look for devices mounted on angled brackets that would provide good room coverage, and watch for red lights that flash when you move past them. Scan the entire room for items that seem out of place or positioned unusually. Pay attention to furniture angled in specific ways, electronics with unusually small holes, or devices that seem odd for a hotel or rental property. Random USB chargers left plugged in are particularly suspicious, as hotels typically don't leave these items behind. Check common hiding spots including air purifiers, light bulbs, TV boxes, routers, alarm clocks, mirrors, books, and decorative items. Look for tiny holes in everyday objects or unusual reflections that might indicate a lens. Always trust your instincts — if something feels off about an item's placement or appearance, investigate further. Turn off the main room lights and activate your phone or smart watch's flashlight function. Next, slowly sweep the light around the room, paying particular attention to suspicious areas you identified during your visual inspection. Camera lenses reflect light even when very small, so watch for unusual glints or reflections that could indicate hidden surveillance equipment. Download a network scanning app like Fing, which shows devices connected to the local WiFi network. Look for devices with names like camera or other suspicious identifiers. Keep in mind that some cameras might operate on separate networks, so this method isn't foolproof but can reveal obvious surveillance equipment. For frequent travelers or those with heightened security concerns, portable camera detectors offer additional peace of mind. Devices like lens detectors use infrared technology to identify the invisible light emitted by certain cameras. These gadgets are roughly the size of walkie-talkies and can scan for hidden surveillance equipment. However, these detectors aren't perfect solutions. They may require close proximity to cameras to work effectively and can produce false positives from other electronic devices. They're most useful as part of a comprehensive checking routine rather than standalone detection methods. If you discover a device that seems suspicious, avoid touching or disabling it immediately. Take photos of the item and its location for evidence. For questionable electronics, simply unplugging them is often the safest initial response, but never disable smoke detectors as this creates fire safety risks and potential property damage. Contact hotel management immediately if you're in a hotel, or the property owner if you're in an airbnb. Request a room change or consider checking out entirely if the situation isn't resolved satisfactorily. If you're in a remote location where leaving isn't possible, use tape, gum, or putty to temporarilly cover suspected camera lenses. Document everything with photos and report the incident to local authorities when you have the opportunity. For Airbnb properties, also report the violation to the platform, as indoor surveillance violates their terms of service and could result in the property being removed from their listings. Remember that the vast majority of accommodations are legitimate and respect guest privacy. These checking techniques take only a few minutes but provide significant peace of mind, especially in an era where privacy concerns are increasingly valid. Make camera checking part of your standard arrival routine, just like testing the tap or locating the bathroom. A quick sweep helps you relax and enjoy your stay knowing you've taken reasonable precautions to protect your privacy. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Infosys techie caught using smartphone for filming woman inside company washroom: How he was spotted
A 30-year-old Infosys techie was allegedly caught filming a woman colleague inside the company's washroom. The incident occurred on June 30, when the accused, identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali, was using a smartphone to record the 35-year-old victim from an adjacent cubicle. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The woman who works as a Technical Test Lead at Infosys' Electronics City office immediately raised an alarm. Colleagues nearby intervened and stopped the accused from leaving the premises. Mali who joined Infosys as a Senior Associate Consultant three months ago has been booked under section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police in Bengaluru have taken him into custody and are investigating the matter. How the Infosys techie was caught The woman told police that she noticed a reflection on the washroom door while inside. She then saw a mobile phone being used from the next cubicle. The woman climbed onto the commode to check and reportedly saw a man standing on the commode in the adjacent stall, filming her, who is alleged to have removed his trousers during the act. The woman ran out and alerted her colleagues, who stopped the man from leaving the area. When colleagues checked Mali's phone, they allegedly found a video of the complainant, another video of a different Infosys employee, and over 50 videos downloaded from the internet. Police said a screenshot of the video was taken for evidence before the original file was deleted. How to spot hidden cameras using smartphone While such cases are rare, it's a good idea to do a safety check if you feel something is wrong. You can spot hidden spy cameras using your smartphone using simple checks. To begin with, use your phone's camera in a dark room to look for small blinking infrared lights. These lights may show up as white or purple dots on your screen but are invisible to the naked eye. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now You can also use a flashlight to scan for tiny reflections from camera lenses. Hidden camera detector apps can help by detecting magnetic fields or unknown devices nearby. You can also scan the Wi-Fi network using apps like Fing to find unfamiliar connected devices.
