Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has issued guidance on how to detect hidden cameras following the arrest of a Royal Caribbean cruise employee who hid cameras in a passenger’s bathroom.
With miniature cameras, directional microphones, and other stealth surveillance tools, it’s easier than ever for individuals to place hidden cameras in unassuming places. There have been numerous reports of guests discovering hidden cameras in Airbnb properties.
Hidden cameras aren’t just a privacy violation; there’s a threat that these cameras could be hacked and exploited by other cybercriminals. In 2023, a site called Insecam was discovered illegally streaming footage from over 1,600 hacked cameras in homes.
In a press release, Kaspersky said it’s particularly important to know how to spot hidden cameras today, with many college students set to take off on spring break trips.
Suspect Recorded Young Girls in Cruise Ship Bathrooms
A 34-year-old ship attendant was apprehended after a hidden camera was discovered under a sink in a guest bathroom aboard the Symphony of the Seas on Feb. 25, NBC News reported.
The Philippine national admitted to placing cameras in various bathrooms since December 2023, targeting rooms occupied by young females. He also admitted to entering guests’ rooms while they were showering and recording them while hiding under the bed.
His capture led to an investigation that uncovered numerous videos of females undressing and illegal pornography on his devices.
Royal Caribbean has since condemned the former employee’s actions, emphasizing its “zero-tolerance” policy for such behavior and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement.
How to Detect Hidden Cameras
According to Kaspersky, one way to spot hidden cameras is to use your smartphone’s camera and flashlight to detect lens reflections or infrared lights.
“Turn off the lights in the room, turn on both the phone’s flashlight and camera, and point them where you think a hidden device might be. If your suspicion is correct, you will see a glare on the screen,” Kaspersky explained.
Kaspersky says you may need a flashlight to detect infrared light. “Keep in mind that your smartphone’s main camera may not do the trick, because it probably has an IR-light filter, but the front camera should get the job done. You can experiment with a TV remote to see if it works. ” the press release explained.
Kaspersky also highlighted more sophisticated ways to detect hidden cameras, like using Wi-Fi scanning apps and lens detection tools. In 2022, researchers from Carnegie Melon conducted a study using an app called Lumos to detect hidden cameras and microphones in a rented property.
There are also specialized mobile applications like “Hidden Camera Detector” that you can use to identify lens glare and scan for suspicious wireless devices.
For more tips, read Kaspersky’s guide to spotting spy cameras.
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