The issue of security and digital privacy is paramount. As technology advances, it’s essential that we continue to be concerned about protecting our personal information.
If you’re wondering how to detect if you’re being spied on with technological tools, here are some basic tips.
First of all, it’s important not to panic and see spying everywhere. Spying generally involves physical access to the room or computer equipment, such as a computer or cell phone. Specific tools and equipment are required to carry out such activities, which somewhat limits the number of people with the knowledge and ability to carry them out.
It’s crucial to protect against intrusions and invasions of privacy, without giving in to excessive paranoia.
I’m writing this article in the context of possible personal surveillance by a former relationship or someone wishing to exert a hold over you.
To successfully spy on you, an attacker needs access to your home or electronic devices such as your computer or cell phone.
In the case of an ex-spouse, this may no longer be the case, but it’s possible that children, moving from house to house, may carry spying devices with them, in their backpacks, pooches or even in their own cell phones.
Tips for detecting spy tools
Hidden cameras
Hidden cameras can be incredibly small, about the size of the end of a pencil lead, making them easy to place in unexpected places for discreet surveillance. For example, a camera can be hidden in a pen, a dial, a USB charger, or even a light bulb. These discreet devices can be placed in high-traffic areas, such as the living room or kitchen, or in more private places like a bedroom or bathroom.
- Use the FING tool to identify devices connected to the same network as your device, which scans the network. You should identify each device, and those that aren’t identified could be devices you don’t control.
- Turn off the lights and open your camera, which, in the case of modern cameras, may detect infrared camera signals.
- Alternatively, always with the lights off, turn on your phone’s flashlight. Gently shine the light on different parts of the room to check whether an object is reflecting the light, which could represent a camera lens.
Caution: These steps will detect some equipment, but others may be much more advanced and hidden.
GPS beacon on my car
There are two main types of vehicle tracking device:
Active GPS positioning devices. Used to transmit real-time data on its location, the device is fitted with a device that functions like a cell phone, transmitting data whenever it is in motion or, in some cases, at set intervals. While some can be connected to the vehicle for power, most are battery-powered. Battery-operated tracking devices are usually fitted with a sensor that determines when the tracker is in motion and triggers power and signal transmission at that point, then switches off after several minutes of inactivity.
Passive GPS tracking devices. These devices store waypoints on-board and do not transmit their position, but function as a portable GPS unit. When the vehicle is in motion, the GPS tracking device collects waypoints at set time intervals, in the form of coordinates which must then be plotted. Unmonitored devices are less costly as they do not require a subscription for their monitoring activity, but must be retrieved and downloaded to obtain tracking information.
- Inspection: Start with a complete visual inspection of your vehicle. GPS tracking tools are often placed in discreet but externally accessible places, such as under the bumper, spare wheel or under the hood. Some GPS tools are magnetic and therefore attached to the underside of the vehicle.
- Using a signal detector: A signal detector can be used to locate the waves emitted by a GPS tracker. It can be purchased online or from surveillance equipment retailers. An electronic scanner checks for the presence of a radio-frequency or cellular signal transmission and indicates its existence to the user of the electronic scanner. Scanners come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They scan a wide range of radio frequencies and alert you to the presence of nearby signals with an audible signal, flashing light or vibration.
- Use mobile applications to detect AirTags.
For iPhone devices, open the Find My Phone application. Press on the alert and select “continue” then “play sound”. The tag will continue to beep until you find it.
For Android, the Tracker Detecte application does the same thing. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect&hl=en_US&gl=US
4. Professional inspection: If you can’t find the GPS tracker but still think there might be one, consider having your car inspected by a professional or your garage!
Spyware on your computer :
Most antivirus software will detect spyware on your computer. So use your own software to do a complete scan. If you don’t trust or have antivirus software, I like to use scanning solutions from these two companies
TrendMicro– https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/forHome/products/housecall.html)
ESET– https://www.eset.com/int/home/online-scanner/)
Then, on a Windows computer, open the Control Panel by pressing “Windows” + “X” and select “Applications and Features”.
You can see a list of all the programs installed on your computer. This allows you to manage your applications and remove unwanted or unnecessary ones.
Spyware on your cell phone
If you suspect that someone has installed a spy app on your phone or is listening in on you, here are some steps you can take to protect your privacy:
- Change passwords: Change passwords for all your important accounts, including e-mail, social networks and banking applications.
- System and application updates: Make sure your phone is running the latest version of the operating system and that all your applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Check Installed Applications:Examine the list of installed applications for anything that looks suspicious or that you don’t recognize.
- Look for and check application permissions . If an application has access to many of your phone’s functions for no good reason, it could be a sign of spying.
- Use antivirus software: Install trusted antivirus software and run a complete scan of your device. I like Bitdefender’s for the price. If not, check out this link: https://www.pcworld.com/article/707185/best-antivirus-for-android-phone-or-tablet.html
- Reset your phone: If you’re still worried, a factory reset is the safest option. This will remove all data, including potentially malicious applications, from your device. However, before you reset, make sure you back up any important data.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure you can handle the problem yourself, it might be a good idea to consult a computer security professional.
- Inform your phone company and the authorities: If you have evidence of spying, inform your phone operator and, if necessary, contact the authorities to report a privacy violation.
- Awareness and precaution: Educate yourself about good mobile security practices to avoid future infections or spying. For example, don’t click on suspicious links, and don’t download applications outside official stores.
How can my phone or computer get infected?
Phishing is the number one method of attack or fraud. It’s a ubiquitous threat that exploits users’ credulity to steal confidential information or entice them to click on a link or attachment. Once this has been done, the attacker takes control of your device.
In practice, the attacker sends e-mails or text messages that appear to come from legitimate entities, such as the government or Hydro Québec.
Signs of a phishing attempt
Urgency or Alarmist tone: Attackers often use alarmist language to create a sense of urgency and push you to act quickly or without thinking. Remember one little trick: the faster you’re asked to move, the more you have to think and validate the request.
Requests for Personal Information: Be careful if an e-mail asks you for sensitive information. Legitimate institutions generally do not request such information by e-mail.
Logical errors: Errors in e-mail may indicate a phishing attempt, as official communications are generally well-written. New attacks no longer contain many spelling mistakes (thanks to artificial intelligence), but remain sensitive to inconsistencies or other contextual errors. For example, a message from Bell informing you of an unpaid bill when you are a Videotron subscriber.
Suspicious links and attachments: Always be wary of links or attachments in unsolicited e-mails. This is the gateway for attackers.
Strange e-mail addresses: Check the sender’s e-mail address. Subtle variations from legitimate addresses are clearly a red flag.
Conclusion and advice!
Don’t click on links and attachments: The first thing to remember is NEVER to click on a link in an e-mail or SMS – unless you’re absolutely certain of its legitimacy.
As you can see, technology offers us many advantages, but it also poses a threat to our privacy if we don’t take the necessary precautions.
It’s essential to be aware of these risks, and to know how to counteract them. The tools and tips mentioned above can help you protect your privacy against unwanted intrusions.
Of course, it’s always advisable to consult an IT security professional if you think you’re a victim of espionage.
Remember that respecting other people’s privacy is just as important as protecting your own.
Here are the links to the articles in this series
- Criminal harassment – The laws [Links to articles 1]
- Stalking – Its different forms [Links to article 2]
- How can harassment be prevented? [Links to articles 3]
- What is “Revenge Porn” or disclosure porn? [Links to articles 5]
Get help – Resource for you
- If you need support, have suicidal thoughts or are worried about a loved one, call 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553). A suicide prevention counsellor is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- You can also visit commentparlerdusuicide.com
- If you are a victim of domestic violence and are looking for help and respite, call SOS Violence conjugale at 1 800 363-9010. Counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- In case of crisis and fear for your life, find a women’s shelter on fmhf.ca.
- The Centres d’aide aux victimes d’actes criminels (CAVAC) help the loved ones of crime victims following traumatic events: 1-866-le CAVAC (1 866 532-2822) or cavac.qc.ca
- Reporting harassment in the workplace: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/service-clientele/plaintes-recours/plaintes-en-normes-travail/plainte-pour-harcelement-psychologique-sexuel
- Montreal Police Department– https://spvm.qc.ca/fr/Contact
The “Educaloi” site offers a complete list of services available to you:
I invite you to click on “Follow” to continue learning more about the field of information security.
