How to find out who's spying on you

It seems like a worst-case scenario from a TV show’s expose.

You check into your vacation rental and start relaxing only to find out that the owner of the rental has been tracking your every move since the moment you arrived.

How did this happen? They installed cameras, video cameras, and/or audio recording devices all throughout the rental. Not only has your vacation become an episode of ‘Big Brother’, but your private, intimate life details and account information every time you order takeout to book an activity reservation is up for grabs.

Now while you may be able to control your own home environment, there are instances where you may have to relinquish your control to others: if there is a big job (renovations, fumigation, etc.) being done in your home where people outside of your family are coming in and out.

Many agree a certain amount of paranoia is healthy. (Or you might’ve watched too many episodes of The X-Files.) While you may not be a world-class spy with a triple-digit name, it is important to be aware of common spyware that can be used on and around you. Kurt covered a handful of the most popular spyware in Real-Life Spy Catcher.

Spyware used against you can rob you of your peace of mind, be used as blackmail, compromise, or abuse your personal and financial information.

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So what? Maybe the intention of the end user of the spyware isn’t meant to be malicious but your privacy is something that should be respected despite the intention. Additionally, if any of the footage or audio recordings caught on these spyware devices get into the wrong hands, it can be a huge embarrassment or risk to your security.

Maybe you’re going through a sensitive time in your life or you want to relax without the worry of anyone else watching or listening to you. Regardless of why you don’t want spyware floating around the spaces you occupy, we’ll show you how to check for spyware and what products can help protect your privacy from spyware.

Common sense is an excellent starting place for any endeavor regardless of the most sophisticated tech at your disposal. If you don’t have the means or desire to invest in specific spyware detection, there are a few DIY steps to finding these stealthy devices.

The main forms of spyware devices include still and video cameras and audio recording devices.

Maybe you’re going through a sensitive life period or you just want to do your due diligence and check new spaces. If the DIY methods listed above don’t cut it, check out the equipment you can purchase to take the spyware discovery process one step further.

Radiofrequency detectors are devices that scan for transmitters (devices, such as spyware, that emit transmissions). While each device varies in sensitivity and methodology, most are usually utilized by slowly moving across spaces or objects that one suspects have spyware. Please note: commercial-grade spyware generally falls in the 10 MHz to 8 MHz range.

Rating: 80% of reviewers gave this a 5-star rating

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Rating: 75% of reviewers gave this a 5-star rating

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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Rating: 79% of reviewers gave this a 5-star rating

Pros:

Cons:

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Some spyware is built to obscure their own radio frequencies or may have been turned off during your search, which makes the use of RF detectors ineffective. That’s where nonlinear Junction Detectors (NLJD) can be a helpful tool. These devices help detect semi-conductor electronics. But please note, because it is so sensitive it can alert you of ‘safe,’ non-spyware devices. It’ll mean you’ll have to vet your findings more carefully.

Rating: 83% of reviewers gave this a 5-star rating

Pros:

Cons:

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Have you ever experienced this kind of invasion of privacy? If so, what and how did you find out? Comment below.

More:

Is someone spying on you through your hacked webcam? 7 red flags

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