Latest news with #spying
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Use These 7 Methods to Find Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb Rental
Hidden cameras and spying have become rampant in recent years. We've seen it happening in Texas and California, with one host secretly saving over 2,000 images of guests and read reports of instances where couples have found themselves vacationing in a romantic Airbnb only to discover that someone is watching them via voyeur cams. There are also Reddit discussion boards where vacationers are sharing tales of it happening to them. It's a proven international problem, too, with stories ranging from Ireland to Malaysia. However, if you're preparing for a vacation this summer, don't let the idea of being spied upon ruin your vacation. For one thing, you can instantly report cameras to Airbnb, which guarantees you an automatic relocation if you do happen to spot any. And spotting them will be significantly easier once you check out our guide on how to catch hidden cameras around your rental. Read on to learn more. A guest-friendly router may deserve a closer look. Netgear 1. Check out the local Wi-Fi network Most Airbnbs offer some kind of guest Wi-Fi. Log into it and hop into your settings to view the Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all the connected devices. Use the provided login and on-board router passwords or app to look for a section about connected or attached devices. Or if these options aren't available, you can try out a third-party app like the Wireless Network Watcher. (Note for the techies, the arp -a command line won't work here, because it displays only your own computer's cache of connected device info, and the Airbnb owner probably didn't leave their laptop behind.) Now look for any unexpected online devices that don't match up with any of the technology in the house. You may think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cams to local Wi-Fi networks, but that's giving them too much credit. Watch for surprise online devices and see if you can track them down or tell what they are. 2. Bring up your Bluetooth If cameras aren't connected to Wi-Fi, you can still pick them up with your Bluetooth. Just set your Bluetooth to its pairing mode and see what devices it can pick up. Disregard TVs and smart home technology and focus on mystery devices that you can't otherwise identify. Seeing strange devices on Bluetooth when you're at an Airbnb? They may be worth a closer look. CNET If these devices have strange names, look them up to see if they're a camera product number or similar identifier. Give your Bluetooth a couple of minutes to pick up all available devices and walk from room to room with your phone to see if any surprises pop up. 3. Do a pass with a flashlight Even the sneakiest cam still needs a lens to watch from, and where there's a lens there can be a reflection (as well as LED indicator lights). So one of the most effective ways to look for hidden cams is to shut down all the lights in a room, switch on the flashlight mode on your phone and do a careful sweep. Watch for any unexpected glints or flickers of light in strange places that could be a tiny camera lens. It sounds a little weird, but this old-fashioned method of spotting cams is still one of the most effective. To save a whole lot of time and patience on this step, focus on rooms where spy cams are more likely to be, basically any room where you'd take your clothes off. Look for spots and angles that offer a high, wide field of view -- there's a reason that smoke detectors are such a popular hiding spot. Other popular spots include plants, books and lamps. Your own eyes and a camera flashlight can do a lot of good work if you're worried about hidden cameras. Freemixer/Getty Images 4. Scan for infrared eyes Many cams use infrared/IR connections for simple controls, especially if they aren't on a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. That's the same kind of connection that old-fashioned TV remotes use. Human eyes can't see infrared light, but the front-facing camera on many smartphones doesn't have an infrared filter, or at least not a perfect one. That means you can use your phone cam in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot any unexpected dots of whitish light that could mean a device is hiding somewhere. Apps can help you take a closer look at your Airbnb, but we suggest using them with other methods. CNET 5. Use a camera-spotting app A slew of apps can help you with the above steps. They're far from perfect, but they may be able to save you a bit of time if you're serious about scanning your Airbnb. There are apps that attempt to sense unexpected magnetic fields, catch reflections when scanning a room and some that even combine multiple options. These apps are typically free or cheap, but we suggest not relying on them entirely when your own naked eye can do so well. 6. Inspect the vents People have found hidden cameras in all kinds of places, but we suggest getting up close and personal to any wall vents. Vents can often hide the signs of an infrared light or reflection unless you're at just the right angle. So along with smoke detectors, put these up-high vents on the top of your list if you're worried. Thermal cameras are only for the most serious when scanning Airbnbs. CNET 7. Bring out an infrared scanner If you're feeling especially anxious about hidden cams and don't mind investing some dollars, an infrared or heat scanner is one of your best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and the more affordable, consumer-friendly versions cost around $150 to $200. These sensors can detect the small heat signatures produced by hidden cameras. You can use them close to walls, mirrors, shelves and anywhere else you want a close scan to watch for unexpected electronics. It's more time-consuming than our other methods, but nothing else offers such a complete look. Bonus tip: Be careful plugging your devices in Satechi's 145W 4-port USB-C travel charger Satechi Finally, be wary of any included chargers, ports or charging stations in your Airbnb. They're usually harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can house malware that could seep into your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus that can take control of your own camera or hold files hostage. When using an Airbnb, stick with your own travel chargers whenever possible and plug directly into power outlets when they are available. OK, what about security cameras outside the Airbnb? Currently, Airbnb is banning only cameras indoors on participating properties. So having an outdoor security camera or a video doorbell is still entirely legal and a common choice for Airbnb owners worried about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There's not really anything you can do about the presence of these outside cameras. You can complain that they make you feel uncomfortable, but they probably aren't going anywhere. However, be wary if any outdoor cams are pointed toward windows so they can see indoors, which is a legal issue just like an indoor spy cam. Since you're finished, now is the perfect time to review the spots to never install your own home security cam, the best places to put a security camera, and if it's legal to record video or audio in your own home.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Guard at U.S. Embassy in Norway Charged With Spying for Russia and Iran
Norwegian authorities on Tuesday charged a former security guard at the U.S. embassy in Oslo with spying on both countries on behalf of Russia and Iran, with prosecutors laying out evidence of a coordinated espionage scheme that they contend threatened Norway's national interests. Mohamed Orahhou, a Norwegian, who was arrested in November, collected and leaked sensitive information about the employees of Norway's intelligence services and the U.S. embassy between March and November of last year, according to an indictment by the National Authority for Prosecution of Organized and Other Serious Crime. In exchange for his spying, Mr. Orahhou was paid in cash and bitcoin from Russian and Iranian authorities, the indictment said. One of Mr. Orahhou's defense attorneys, Inger Zadig, told The New York Times that Mr. Orahhou accepts the facts in the indictment, but he contests that those actions meet the standards for criminality under Norwegian espionage law. Among the details Mr. Orahhou delivered to Russia and Iran, according to the indictment, were a list of classified names of Norway's intelligence agents; the names, addresses and phone numbers of diplomats, embassy staff and their family members; and sketches of embassy emergency evacuation plans. The information he collected was delivered to Iranian and Russian intelligence officials at clandestine meetings in Serbia, Turkey and Norway, according to the indictment. Russian authorities paid Mr. Orahhou 10,000 euros while Iran gave him .17 bitcoin, worth about $10,000, according to the indictment. The prosecutors contend that Mr. Orahhou's actions violated Norway's espionage laws because the information transferred undermined 'fundamental national interests' to the benefit of Iran and Russia — and put embassy staff members at risk. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Celeb osteopath who parked outside uni halls with telescope and camera to perv on female students undressing is jailed
A CELEB osteopath who parked outside uni halls with a telescope and camera to perv on female students undressing has been jailed. Torben Hersborg wore a balaclava to hide his face and lay in the back of his Lexus to spy on the women in King's Cross, London. 3 The 64-year-old, whose celeb clients included Fearne Cotton and actress Anna Friel, was also spotted crawling around in the vehicle while peeking through the window. He has now been jailed for three years and five months and made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The osteopath has pleaded guilty to three charges of observing a person doing a private act "for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification". Snaresbrook Crown Court heard the offences took place on December 10, 14 and 21 last year. Varinder Hayre, prosecuting, said: "On December 21 at about 9pm, a member of the public reported that a male in a car has been taking photographs and videos of students in university students' accommodation. "The member of the public also said he has seen the male in the car about four years ago." The bystander also called police on December 10 and 14 but officers did not attend, the court heard. Hersborg was caught by police wearing black gloves and had black plastic bags lining the seats. When asked what he was doing, Hersborg claimed he had gone for drinks but felt like he was going to "pass out" on the way home so pulled over. But officers discovered a battery in his pocket and a camera and telescope in his car. Police recovered 68 images and videos that showed a woman in just a T-shirt, a different female sitting in her bedroom and another "seemingly getting dressed". A search was carried out at Hersborg's home and a large quantity of digital devices was seized. He gave no comment in his police interview, except to say he was "sorry for the whole situation". Hersborg is the director of the Central London Osteopathy and Sports Clinic in Old Street. His social media included video of a treatment session with Strictly star Viscountess Emma Weymouth, as well as photos with Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance and Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood. Hersborg has also worked with Italian Serie A football team Brescia and the Danish Tennis Federation. He has been suspended from practising as an Osteopath by the General Osteopathic Council. Alex Weichselbaum of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Hersborg operated in plain sight for too long and, having targeted thousands of women over 12 years, we believe the scale and significance of his offending makes him one of London's most prolific voyeurs. "His meticulously planned acts included setting up secret cameras in his clinic and covertly filming women - both in public and when they thought they were in the privacy of their own homes. "Hersborg deliberately abused the trust of his unwitting patients by filming them in intimate positions and targeted strangers for his own sexual gratification. "Women should be free to live their lives without unwanted intrusion – particularly from sexual offenders like Hersborg who deliberately chose to film or photograph them in their most private or intimate moments." 3
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
'James Bond wannabe' found guilty of trying to spy for Russia
United Kingdom correspondent Edward O'Driscoll spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a British man who "dreamt of being like James Bond", and has been found guilty of trying to spy for Russia, as well as British Fighter jet which has finally taken flight after being stranded in India for a month. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
U.K. jury finds man who dreamed of being James Bond guilty of attempting to spy for Russia
The unanimous verdict came after four hours of deliberations. LONDON — A British man who dreamed of being like James Bond was convicted on Tuesday of attempting to spy for Russia. Howard Phillips, 65, sought to pass information about former Defense Secretary Grant Shapps to two men he believed were Russian agents. However, the agents were undercover British intelligence agents. A jury at Winchester Crown Court found Phillips guilty of assisting what he believed to be a foreign intelligence agency. The unanimous verdict came after four hours of deliberations. He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced in the fall. No precise date was set. Prosecutors said Phillips offered to turn over Shapps' contact details as well as the location where he kept his private plane to 'facilitate the Russians in listening on British defense plans.' The defendant's ex-wife told the court that Phillips 'would dream about being like James Bond,' and watched films about the British secret services because he was 'infatuated with it.' Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's counterterrorism division, said the conviction sends a clear message to anyone considering spying for Russia. 'Phillips was brazen in his pursuit for financial gain, and unbothered about the potential detriment to his own country,' David said. The Associated Press
