In Hollywood movies about spies and espionage, listening devices often feature. These ‘bugs’ are hidden so that covert recordings may be made and intelligence gathered.
Detectives in movies are often seen sweeping for bugs and recording devices too. Bug detectors are used in crime dramas and feature in many spy novels.
But do bug detectors exist in real life, or are they just a Hollywood invention? And why would anyone need a bug detector? Well, the answer might surprise you.
What are listening devices or bugs, and why are they used?
The tech people at SpyCentre were approached for some advice on listening devices and how to find them. This brief article hopes to explain a few of the facts behind bug detectors.
Security plays a major part in the role of listening devices and bug detectors.
Home security is often on house owners’ minds, especially when moving into a new area. One of the most critical things to look for in a new neighborhood is security.
Security cameras bring peace of mind to homeowners and scare off criminals. However, not all cameras and recording devices are visible. Many devices such as these are hidden, and often these will be referred to as bugs.
In TV shows, recording bugs are hidden in smoke detectors or the base of a vase. In real life, bugs can be hidden in plain sight, or covertly as they are in spy movies.
Typically, a modern-day recording device will be used to covertly capture video or audio, or both at the same time. They are small, hard to detect, and capable of capturing quality recordings for hours on end.
The uses for modern-day ‘bugs’ range from capturing evidence to more nefarious reasons such as spying on unwitting parties.
Do bug detectors really exist?
The Cold War has left behind some incredible tales of embassies being bugged, and spy equipment being used.
Today’s spy gadgets are used for far different purposes than in the past.
Nanny cams are very popular for observing childminders. Hidden recording devices can capture evidence for divorces. And GPS trackers can be used to locate stolen vehicles.
Because listening devices exist, it is perhaps not surprising that detection devices are available too.
Why would anyone need a bug detector?
Listening devices have many uses including monitoring sleep apnea. But, unfortunately, hidden devices can be used for other purposes.
There have been reports of tourists spotting hidden cameras in holiday homes for example. Plus, hidden cameras have been found in some hotel rooms. Even GPS trackers can be used to trace someone’s location without them knowing.
Hidden recording devices have legal uses, but there are laws in place to help people maintain their privacy. And bug detectors can be utilized by concerned parties to locate devices.
Who needs bug detectors in regular life?
It isn’t just holidaymakers who might find listening devices. Businesses involved in M&As and IPOs need to keep sensitive data away from snoops. A leak of data during an acquisition could cost millions of dollars in penalties.
Anyone moving into a new home might like to perform a sweep for bugs and hidden cameras for peace of mind. And holidaymakers could check for hidden cameras in rentals just to be on the safe side.
However, there are even more serious sides to bug detection. Anyone in an abusive relationship might be recorded and tracked covertly. Someone in this situation might need a bug detector.
And businesses that feel they are under threat from corporate espionage could bring in a security expert to look for bugs.
Where can you find bug detectors?
Professional bug detectors can pick up signals emanating from recording devices even at the lowest levels. Depending on your needs, a bug detector can find GPS trackers, and pick up WiFi, GSM, and Bluetooth frequencies.
The best places to find bug detectors are through security experts and spy gadget stores. A search online for spy devices and similar tech will bring up a range of stores.
There are some bug detector apps for mobile devices, but professional bug detectors are far more reliable. Security is vital, and when you move into your new home you might ask are solar motion security lights reliable, or do you need a smart doorbell camera. You might also want to sweep for bugs, if so, you might as well do it properly.
Summary
Bug detectors do indeed exist. Spies have used listening devices and trackers to monitor rivals’ movements for decades. Today, recording devices are more likely to be used to capture evidence for court cases than espionage.
Most people will never need to use a bug detector. However, these devices do have their purposes. And some people might feel better sweeping a holiday rental for bugs before moving in.
