Spy Gadgets

A voice recorder is a type of audio bugging device that uses a microphone to capture audio transmissions. Some audio bugging devices require the spy to be nearby to hear the transmissions. Spies may also use audio bugging devices that operate remotely. And, remote audio bugging devices can exploit the Wi-Fi, BlueTooth or cellular network to push the captured audio to an external source.  As well, the microphone in your cellphone, tablet or computer can be used to eavesdrop using spyware or even Apple AirPods. There are many spying devices that can record voices. Examples of voice recorders include: a GPS tracking device with “live listen”, laser microphone, USB recorder, etc.

Examples of Voice Recorders

AirPods : harmless Accessory or Cyber Eavesdropping Device 

O.MG Cable : Heads Up About A Serious Privacy Threat

ComSec’s TSCM services detect voice recorders and other audio spying devices.

A spy camera is a type of video bugging device. This spy gadget uses a camera to covertly capture video. Some spy cameras also capture audio. A spy camera may be very small in size, so it can be hidden in common objects like a pen, a clock, a smoke alarm or even a stuffed animal.  Using spyware, the camera in your cellphone, tablet, laptop or computer can be used view and record images (or video of you). Even home security camera systems, that are connected by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, can be used as a spy camera. Video bugging devices include nanny cams, device charges, light bulbs, hidden surveillance cameras, etc.

ComSec’s TSCM services detect spy cameras and other spying devices.

GSM cellular bugs use a SIM card to remotely monitor audio. GSM bugs work over a cellular network, such as 3G or 4G. They are often called wireless listening devices. GSM bugs can be ‘dialed into’ remotely to access the recordings. And, a GSM bug can transmit like a cell phone bug, so it can be used anywhere a GSM cellular phone network is accessible. Similarly, GSM bugs are often used to monitor conversations in rooms. GSM bugs may be embedded in a power strip, a clock radio, wall clock, smoke detector, mouse, etc. so attention is not drawn to the device.

ComSec’s TSCM services detect GSM bugs and other spy gadgets.

A GPS tracking device uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network. Microwave signals from the satellites transmit to GPS tracking devices. Ultimately, the location, speed, time and direction of the target vehicle are captured by the GPS tracking device. Some GPS trackers also feature “live listen” which provides audio recording capability.

ComSec’s Vehicle TSCM services detect GPS tracking devices and other GPS related spy gadgets.

Microphone taps are audio listening devices that use a microphone to record sound. Ultimately, they may be used at close distances or long distances. Microphone taps used at close range may be hidden. Microphones taps used over a long distance may be connected to receiver. And, headphones may be used to listen to the captured audio. Long distance microphones can be large in size and are not often concealed. For example, laser microphones are type of long distance microphone tap spy gadgets.

ComSec’s TSCM services detect microphone taps and other spy gadgets.

Covert telephone taps involve monitoring telephone and Internet conversations. Telephone taps may be legal (conducted by police or intelligence agencies) or illegal (recording by a third party without authorization). In short, the telephone tap recording may be started manually, automatically by detecting sound on the line, or automatically whenever the phone is off the hook. Further, these spy gadgets may be used on PBX, mobile or VOIP phones.

ComSec’s TSCM services detect telephone taps and other spy gadgets.

Laser bugging devices use a laser beam to detect sound vibrations in a distant object. In general, these spy gadgets use an object that vibrates (e.g. a picture on a wall) from within the target room. Then, the laser beam is directed into the room via a window, reflects off the object and returns to a receiver. Finally, the receiver converts the beam to an audio signal so noises can be heard by the spy. So, this type of spy gadget can be used with little chance of exposing the spy since the laser microphone is outside the target room.

ComSec’s TSCM services detect laser beam spy gadgets.

Carrier current bugs use transmitting frequencies between the audio frequency range and radio frequency range. In general, these spy gadgets use a power line, telephone line, cable TV line or other paired conductors as a power source. Then, sound is retrieved by a receiver connected to that same line somewhere outside the target area. Because carrier current bugs do not require a battery for power, they can collect information for years without replacement. And, remote control signals sent over the line powering the unit can be used to turn the bug on or off. In short, carrier current bugging devices can be hidden in clocks, radios, lamps, telephones, etc.

ComSec’s TSCM services detect carrier current bugging devices and other spy gadgets.