Spy Gadgets | Spy Gear

Spy gadgets are now smaller in size, lower in price, disguised in common items, readily available, easier to use and introduce less risk for the spy. The manufacture and sale of spy gadgets is a multibillion dollar industry, and it continues to grow.

Spy Gadget Facts

  • Smaller in size: As technology has become miniaturized, so has spy gear. Some cameras and microphones are smaller than the tip of your finger.
  • Lower in price: Many spy gadgets are inexpensive ($15 or less).
  • Disguised in common items: A voice recorder or a spy camera can be purchased in many common items, like water bottles, credit cards, key fobs, etc. These devices can collect information in plain view without alerting a target(s).
  • Readily available: Anyone can easily (and discreetly) purchase spy gadgets online and have them delivered to their door.
  • Easier to use: Many spy gadgets require minimal set up and some come with their own app.
  • Less risky for a spy: By using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or the cellular networks to push information to the spy, the spy doesn’t have to risk coming  back into the target(s)’ location to retrieve the device. Some of these devices can be remotely activated and have live listen functionality.

Spy Gadget Wi Lan Spying

It’s now easier for a spy to get unauthorized electronic access to a target’s information than ever before.

Beyond spy gadgets, electronic eavesdroppers can also access your WiFi network, computer cameras and Internet of Things (IoT) devices remotely. Computers and cell phones can also be used as surveillance devices. Surprisingly, a spy does not need to plant a bugging device to access your information. Technology makes it easier than ever for a spy to access your information.

 

Is It Legal

Spy gear is designed and intended to collect audio, video and/or data from an unsuspecting target. Most often, these devices are used to access information in an unauthorized or illegal manner. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA) sets forth the USA Federal regulations. “The ECPA protects wire, oral, and electronic communications while those communications are being made, are in transit, and when they are stored on computers. The Act applies to email, telephone conversations, and data stored electronically.” As well, specific state laws also apply. Anyone that intends to purchase spy gear, should very carefully consider the law before doing so.

Our spy gadgets guide does not include every type of spying gadget. Instead, the guide provides a general overview of the spy gear currently used.

If you suspect you are bugged, please visit our bug sweep page for more information.

Voice Recorder

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.

Mini Voice Recorder
Mini Voice Recorder
credit card voice recorder
Credit Card Voice Recorder
Lock Voice Recorder Spy Gadget
Lock Voice Recorder
Car Charger Voice Recorder Spy Gadget
USB Charger Voice Recorder

Spy Camera

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.

Charger Spy Camera
Charger Spy Camera
Light Bulb Spy Camera
Light Bulb Spy Camera
Surge Supressor Spy Camera
Surge Supressor Spy Camera
Key Fob Spy Camera
Key Fob Spy Camera

GSM Cellular Bugs

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.

USB Cable GSM Voice Recorder
GSM USB Charger Cable
GSM Bug Surge Protector
GSM Bug Surge Protector
Wireless Mouse Voice Recorder
Wireless Mouse GSM Bug
Calculator GSM Bug

GPS Tracking Device

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.

GSM GPS Tracker Live Audio Voice Recorder
GPS Tracking Device
GPS Tracker Live Audio
GPS Tracking Device
Mini GPS Tracker
GPS Tracking Device
GPS Tracker Spy Gadget
GPS Tracking Device

Microphone Taps

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.

Microphone Spy Bug
Bluetooth Spy Microphone
Spy Microphone Transmitter
Spy Microphone

Telephone Taps | Wire Taps

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.

Cell Tap Telephone Tap
Telephone Handset Transmitter
Genie Mobile Telephone Recorder
UHF Telephone Tap Bug

Laser Beam Bugging Devices

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.

Laser Microphone Bugging Device
Laser Microphone Spy Gadget

Carrier Current Bugging Devices

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.

Carrier Current Bugging Device
Digital Carrier Current Bug