Fig. 1 How to find wiretapping - amateur and professional methods of detecting “bugs”
The purpose of "wiretapping" is information of both personal and commercial nature, for example:
- Location of valuables: gold, jewelry, currency, safe access codes, etc.;
- Information about the actions of a competing company in the market: plans for mergers, acquisitions, acquisitions, etc.;
- Everything that falls under the definition of “trade secret” - innovative developments that can affect the profitability of the company, information about major contracts, etc.;
- Personal life data that can be used for blackmail and pressure, and much more.
To prevent this, there is a wide range devices for searching bugs and cameras.
Fig.2 Nonlinearity locator NR-mju
Types of “bugs” and methods for detecting them
Special technical means , which are often called “bugs” or “bookmarks”, divided into audio and video devices . It can be:
- Microphones with information transmitters to remote devices;
- Audio recording devices that are then retrieved and listened to;
- Stethoscopes and endoscopes. To use them, the object of eavesdropping must be in close proximity, most often through a wall or window glass;
- There are two types of mini-video recorders: those that record or carry out online broadcasting;
- Devices that read information directly from a device: phone, computer, etc.
To detect and subsequently neutralize such devices use tracking device detectors. These can be either inexpensive portable devices or expensive equipment.
Fig.3 Professional detector of bugs and hidden cameras Bug Hunter BH-02
Methods of detection: try it yourself or invite specialists?
If you are not an oligarch and a dollar millionaire, and your wiretapping was installed by amateur competitors and not intelligence professionals, bug detection won't take much time. For this, a portable device operating within a radius of 3-5 meters is sufficient. A wide range of such devices, made in the form of a keychain or pen, are presented in specialized stores that sell security systems.
However, if you head a large company and have made a considerable fortune, then the risk that real professionals will be hired to obtain information about you increases significantly. Methods for detecting bugs depend on many factors:
- The principles on which a listening device operates;
- Operating mode (constant, or activation during the period of recording or transmitting information), and some others. Therefore, the means of detecting them differ from each other.
For this purpose, they are used that are capable of detecting a radiation source. As a rule, “bookmarks” operate on free frequencies not occupied by taxi services, firefighters, ambulances, traffic police, television and radio stations. To search for “bugs”, experts also use frequency meters that are capable of detecting “wiretapping” regardless of what mode it is in - “work” or “sleep” (more modern models of bookmarks are activated remotely, at a certain time or using voice, when someone starts talking in the bugged room).
Of course, the services of a specialist in detecting wiretapping are much more expensive than an anti-bug device. But think about what amount lies on the other side of the scale, and decide for yourself whether it’s worth saving in this matter.
- Limit access to your home or office for untrusted people;
- During confidential negotiations, turn on special “jammers” - devices for suppressing radio signals;
- Gifts from business partners and competitors must be checked by your security service for detection of listening devices;
- Do not leave your office open with your laptop, phone and other gadgets, even if you go out for just a few minutes.
In order to organize wiretapping, you can resort to several ways to implement your plans. Electronic tracking devices can be purchased in stores or ordered online. However, a high-quality one will cost the consumer a pretty penny. As a rule, cheap Chinese devices quickly break down, and they don’t particularly stand out for their practicality. There is only one thing left - to make a bug with your own hands, especially since this is quite feasible, and the cost of components (in order to manufacture this or that audio surveillance device) is essentially symbolic. Anyway, let's get down to business.
Legal grounds
Of course, you need to understand that special means for wiretapping are the prerogative of the intelligence services. In case of violation of the constitutional rights of the individual and proven guilt in violating the secret of private life, administrative punishment will follow. There are often cases when it comes to criminal liability. Therefore, you should not “abuse” the manufactured product. It is much wiser to use such a device as an additional means of security or to use it to implement acoustic control over the territory of your own home. For example, a home-made wiretapping bug will be an excellent “informant” if you are not sure of the integrity of the nanny you hired or want to know what is happening in class at school. There are many situations in life when the use of listening devices becomes a necessity.
Mobile “GSM bug”: an incredibly simple solution
In order to make a listening device from a cell phone, you need a device that supports the “Auto-hook up” function, and you also need a headset (headphones). The device can be considered the most suitable for such purposes, since the simplicity and reliability of the phone allow us to count on the success of the implemented project. By the way, this is a sign of efficiency; the energy consumption of the device is significantly reduced. Believe me, such a phone bug, configured with your own hands, is an excellent substitute for expensive listening equipment. Moreover, literally everyone can perform the simple actions described below. Let's get started.
- Go to the phone menu and enter the “Call Mode” section.
- Create your own personal regime. All items related to light indication, vibration, volume of the signal melody, screen saver, sound of button presses and notification of an incoming SMS message must be deactivated.
- Give the new mode a name.
- Through the main menu, find the “Setting up accessories” section, which usually has two sub-items “headset” and “hearing aid”. In each of them, it is necessary to edit the operating parameters and the question of how to make a bug will be practically resolved.
- All “accessory” items must be included. Assign the newly created mode as active and exit the settings.
- Cut the cord from the headphones and insert the plug into the headset jack.
- The display should show the activated mode.
Using a smartphone for purposes other than its intended purpose
When you go on a business trip or vacation, you can leave a kind of watchman at home, a mobile “security guard,” so to speak. Moreover, you don’t need to solder anything, and the cellular bug is a converted smartphone with your own hands. Everything else is simply primitive.
- Almost all smartphones are equipped with the “Auto-receive calls” function.
- Relatively new cellular units implement energy-saving mode technology. Therefore, if you take into account the known good condition of the device, you can count on 5-7 days of battery life.
- An option is possible when the phone is connected to the charger, and a special device with a time relay acts as an intermediary between the outlet and the charger. An hour a day is a completely acceptable energy supply mode (taking into account the situation described above).
- Turn off the sound notification, light indication and vibration mode on your phone.
- It would not be superfluous to take such an action as installing headphones into the headset jack, since the sound background around the caller will be an unfavorable signal that will predetermine the location of the spy device.
- Place the device in the middle area of the living space. Don’t forget: the device doesn’t have to be in a visible place, but it’s not a solution either. Place your phone on the mezzanine or attach it to the back of a hanging picture.
Wiretap bug: do-it-yourself using “improvised means”
As a rule, they are not thrown away. Find your long-forgotten “electronic companion”, because it is from this that you will make an effective sound-catching device. It is worth noting that almost any phone can be converted into a listening device. However, size plays an important role in the “life of a spy.” Therefore, in such a delicate matter as wiretapping, it is more advisable to use small phone models.
General sequence of actions
- You are disassembling the phone.
- Remove the screen and remove all LEDs (keyboard backlight - leave one for visual control).
- Solder in the power button.
- Install the device - “Automatic call answering”, because the bug must pick up the handset with its “hands”.
- Replace the microphone with a more sensitive one (electret).
- Extend the antenna (regular copper wire 15-20 cm).
- Solder the battery and fix it on top of the keyboard pad (rubber band, tape).
- Check the functionality.
The optocoupler shown in the diagram can be replaced with a transistor like KT315 or Western analogues S9018, S9014. In this case, the capacitor is removed and a resistor is installed with a resistance value of 2.2 k.
Miniature bug
You can make an FM transmitter with your own hands. A fairly simple circuit will allow you to receive a signal in the radio frequency range 88-92 MHz. You shouldn’t immediately run to the store and buy parts; perhaps you have faulty electrical equipment, from the board of which you can remove the necessary components.
You will need:
- Bipolar transistor - 2N3904 or its equivalent.
- Resistors - 4.7 and 330 kOhm.
- Capacitors - 4.7 pF, 1 and 22 nF.
- Trimmer capacitor, rated 30 pF.
- Contour coil - winding diameter 6 mm, eight-turn, wire 0.5 mm.
- The material for the board is foil fiberglass.
- 9 W "Krona" type battery.
- (the most sensitive is used in tape recorders).
Assembling an FM bug for wiretapping
- First of all, the trimmer capacitor is soldered in (middle of the board). The transistor is mounted on the left.
- Moving to the bottom, we install (from left to right) capacitors: the first - 4.7 pF, the second - 1 nF.
- Now we solder in the resistors.
- After that - a 22 nF capacitor and a frameless coil.
- The design is completed by the wire - antenna, installation of a microphone and soldering of the battery.
In conclusion
Now it’s no secret to you how to make a bug out of a phone and what is needed for this. The options for GSM and radio products presented in this information review are only a part of the many available electronic samples through which high-quality acoustic monitoring can be established. However, it should be noted that practicality and quality are achieved through the application of the above recommendations. However, perhaps there will be a “folk craftsman” who will come up with a more rational way to realize the excellent performance characteristics of his listening-type inventions. Well, for now we will use what we have. Listen carefully!
You need to understand that attackers will not hide a bug in a wardrobe, mattress (under the bed) or under wallpaper - all these places make it difficult to hear, and therefore are not suitable for installing wiretapping. If we are talking about video surveillance, then the camera is most often attached so that there is a good overview - that is, under the ceiling or on the TV.
How to find a wiretap using a mobile phone
If you are going to organize it in your home or office, then you need to prepare for this.
- Firstly, you should not tell anyone about your suspicions, and especially not in the room where the alleged wiretapping is located. Because many spy devices can be turned off remotely: they heard you, pressed a button - and that’s it, finding wiretapping will become even more difficult than before. If you are afraid of video surveillance, before searching for the bug, pretend that you have lost something.
- Secondly, inspect the entire home or office very carefully, paying close attention to the areas described above. Before doing this, think about who was in the room and how long they spent there - such an analysis can give an idea of the place where the wiretapping is hidden.
- Thirdly, use your cell phone. Unless the secret hunter has a multimillion-dollar fortune, he will most likely choose cheaper equipment. And such wiretapping can be found using a mobile phone, because they will definitely respond to its waves. Walk slowly around the entire room while talking on your mobile phone - approaching the bug will cause a reaction in the form of noise, crackling and other interference.
When trying to detect a bug using your phone, you must understand that the success rate in this matter is very small. Finding listening devices is a task that is best left to professionals. After all, you can look for wiretapping for a very long time, but still not find it - and continue to remain “on the hook.” And buying special equipment will cost a lot of money and time to learn how to use it. Therefore, to leave no doubt, it is best to turn to specialists who will do their work quickly, confidentially and efficiently.
I have compiled instructions for you on how to assemble a bug with your own hands. This bug circuit is not difficult to assemble, consists of accessible parts and is powered by 9 volts from the crown. The range is 200 or more, it all depends on the transistor used. I found the circuit on an American website, fully working and effective, verified!
Bug Scheme
Parts List:Resistors:
Capacitors:
Transistors:
Miscellaneous:
|
Location of parts on the board:
To get started, download the archive with the signet and make a beetle board. Then solder all the parts into place as shown in the photo above. The archive can be downloaded from the link at the end of the article.
Coil manufacturing:
Now you need to make a coil. To do this, take a bolt and wind 7-8 turns of copper wire with a diameter of 0.5-0.7 mm along the thread, then twist the finished coil from the bolt and solder it to the board.
The coil is in its place and our beetle is almost ready, all that remains is to figure out the power supply. For ease of use of the beetle, I suggest installing it directly on the battery (crown). To do this, we need two crowns, one can be taken as a used one, from it we will need to remove the power mark and solder the wires from the board to it. See below for how to do this. The second crown will power our circuit and serve as a stand for the beetle.
Installing the power stamp:
Well, take a glue gun or glue for it and glue the stamp to the board. Our bug is ready!
Setting up a radio bug:
To tune the beetle, take the receiver and tune it to a frequency in the range of 87-108 MHz. Place the beetle on the crown without touching the coil, and use a screwdriver to slowly turn the trimmer capacitor until you hear feedback from the radio in the form of a tone sound signal. By the way, the beetle can also be caught on the radio of a mobile phone, my auto search even finds it, so try this option first. When tuning, the beetle and the receiver should be close, and once you tune in to the sound, move them away from each other. That's it, the beetle is completely ready and set up!
Modern security systems regularly expand the range of components. Just a few years ago, multifunctional alarm packages of a new generation became available to ordinary users both in terms of price and operational capabilities. Today, the life of a private homeowner also includes means of detecting hidden. Depending on the model, a device for finding bugs and hidden cameras is used in commercial structures, in residential premises, and even in the provision of transport equipment.
General information about detectors
Externally, such devices resemble mobile digital devices. As a rule, this is a small unit with a plastic case and electrical components. Depending on the principle of operation, radio equipment for different purposes can be used. The most common scanning models are those with digital panels that cover specific radio transmission frequencies. The user can configure the device according to specific parameters in accordance with the application conditions. A compact bug detector is also common, which itself involves hidden installation. Typically, such equipment serves as a recorder of signals emanating from bookmark bugs. If suspicious activity is detected, they send their own signal to the main control panel. Most often, communication between devices for detecting unwanted signals and the main security system is provided via wireless channels, for example via GSM networks, via Wi-Fi, CDMA modules, etc.
How the device works
Most devices that detect hidden cameras and bugs work on the principle of creating an indicator field. A scanning zone is formed in which the equipment can detect changes in the frequency range. By recording the fact of changes in background radiation, an external source of signal propagation is determined. How effective the search for hidden cameras and bugs will be depends on the technical parameters of the scanning device. One of the key characteristics is sensitivity. In particular, it determines the range of signal reception and the spectrum of frequencies in which it will, in principle, be possible to detect a bug.
Varieties
As already mentioned, there are scanning devices in the form of mobile equipment, as well as compact tools designed for hidden installation. In the first case, the devices can be stationary and manual. The former are permanently installed in a specific location and continuously monitor activity in the target area. Hand-held devices are designed for one-time scanning sessions, that is, not in constant mode. It is beneficial to use such devices for monitoring specific areas in a home or business area.
If you plan to detect mini-bugs by secret scanning, then the same compact detectors for hidden installation are used. They do not have a digital control panel and only serve to transmit a signal to the central security console. Devices can also be classified by connection type. The already mentioned wireless communication method is optimal from the point of view of the possibility of performing the same hidden installation, but in this case the problem of autonomous power supply remains. Such models cannot do without their own batteries in the form of batteries or batteries, which will need to be replaced periodically.
Stationary scanning devices, as a rule, are introduced into the security infrastructure through a wired network, which provides both the possibility of reliable signal transmission and power from the local power supply line.
Features of detectors for cars
The task of detecting bugs and listening devices in cars is complicated by the fact that the on-board electrical network is powered and interferes with the interception of signals. Typically, hand-held devices are used to scan vehicles and specifically check potentially dangerous areas. In particular, experts recommend examining door panels, headliners, seats and headrests. But the possibility of effective use of standard devices is not excluded. For example, some recorder models support the function of recording sound in the cabin and receive GPS data, which can also be used as a means of identifying suspicious manipulations.
External devices for searching for bugs and hidden cameras in cars are represented by direction finders with a magnetic installation. Depending on the nature of the vehicle's use, such equipment is used in one-time scanning sessions with varying regularity. The bottom, mounting points for mirrors, optics and other functional components are checked. Comprehensive scanning is carried out using broadband bug detectors.
Means for protecting telephone communications
First, you should disable the forwarding and third-party call functions on your phone. This is a basic measure to prevent third-party eavesdropping. The next step will be to provide protection at the software level. This toolkit is software that allows you to identify malicious applications, rootkits, Trojans and all kinds of scripts. For example, systems like AIMSICD create a protective barrier against connecting to cell stations without signal encryption. At the hardware level, the built-in mini-bug can be eliminated by a jammer or a compact detector, which is also built into mobile equipment. But since such devices can negatively affect the quality of cellular communications as such, it is better not to use them constantly, but to connect them only if there are signs of eavesdropping. The following signs may indicate third-party interference:
- Phone battery drains quickly.
- Heating of the device while in standby mode.
- The presence of echo and side noise during a conversation.
Main operating parameters
The importance of the sensitivity indicator, which affects the quality of scanning, has already been emphasized. Modern detector models are capable of operating at a sensitivity level of about 50 mV/m. This value indicates that the device will be able to detect a bug with a power of 5 mW at a distance of 5 m. Cellular communications in this case will be detected within a radius of 50 m.
On the market you can also find devices for searching for bugs and hidden cameras with a sensitivity of 100 mV/m. But this figure is more likely to be overestimated. Typically, such devices are used for professional purposes and are not intended for domestic use.
Another important characteristic is dynamic range. It indicates the detector's ability to detect low and high power signals within its scanning range. On average, this figure reaches 40-45 dB. It is also worth considering the possibility of operating the device in different temperature conditions. Standard models with protective housings are suitable for use in temperature ranges from -30 to 80 °C.
Device operating modes
One device can support several operating modes. The most common ones include security mode, scanning for the presence of a bug, and acoustic locking. The basic security mode assumes that the device will operate in the background at standard scanning frequencies. This option is suitable for continuous monitoring of the radio environment in the target area with low power consumption.
In particular, a jammer for bugs and hidden cameras works on this principle, detecting increased activity of radio signals. The targeted search mode for unwanted equipment involves the use of sound and light indication. In this case, the user sets the optimal sensitivity for detecting bugs with approximately known power.
As for the acoustic binding mode, it is used to detect hidden microphones. The device creates an acoustic background, the operation of which will allow you to pick up noise from operating analogue audio tracking systems.
Additional functionality
The quality of the functional content of detectors has recently been determined by the support for automatic adjustment. This option makes it possible, without manual settings, to program the device for optimal processing of background noise. That is, the device will itself adapt to specific operating conditions depending on the current level of background noise. In this operating format, the detector of hidden cameras and bugs will be able to accurately scan the area regardless of the influence of acoustic signals and radio interference. Additional functionality also includes the ability to connect headphones and other headsets.
Manufacturers
The BUG HUNTER company has one of the most extensive assortments on the domestic market. Its line contains both professional and household devices that allow you to identify wireless bugs, radio microphones, video cameras, jammers and communication jammers. As alternative proposals, it is worth considering the “Protection” and “Hunter” systems. In the first case, they offer GSM transmitters, detectors with FM bands, keyloggers, etc. The Hunter company, in turn, produces devices for detecting hidden cameras and bugs with the ability to control frequency ranges depending on the level of electromagnetic background. This makes it possible to detect radio bugs with support for vibration alarm and acoustic locking modes.
Is it possible to make a detector with your own hands?
You can make your own detector that can detect radio signals and light pulses from hidden surveillance cameras. The device is assembled using integrated circuits, light filters, LEDs, switches, a power source in the form of a battery or rechargeable battery, etc. For manufacturing, you will need a soldering iron and a metal box that will contain the filling. Also, a homemade device for searching for bugs and hidden cameras must also be equipped with a powerful antenna. Both the sensitivity of the device and the quality of signal processing will depend on its characteristics. But it is important to take into account that the stability of operation and the ability to withstand interference from powerful bugs are significantly lower for such products compared to specialized equipment.
What to consider when choosing a bug detector?
If you nevertheless decide to purchase factory equipment, then you will need to take into account several fundamental parameters in your choice. Thus, attention needs to be paid to the ranges of radio frequencies covered, radio wave detection spectra, the ability to detect analog and digital bugs, operating modes, etc. But even if the bug and hidden camera scanner meets the target search parameters, without well-thought-out alert channels its function will be meaningless. Therefore, when purchasing, the possibility of introducing the device into a local security system, pairing with an alarm system and additional means of communication, for example, sending a message directly to the user’s phone, is also taken into account.
Nuances of device operation
Before using the device, a diagram of its placement and connection must be drawn up, as well as the configuration of interaction with other equipment must be thought out. The installation itself is carried out at a point covering the target tracking area. Installation is carried out mechanically using complete hardware. The connection method will depend on the data transmission channel. In the question of how to find hidden cameras and bugs, the correct configuration of the equipment is important. Modern models also provide an automatic scanning mode with the above-mentioned adjustments, but you can set the optimal parameters manually. The second option for setting the same sensitivity assumes an initial focus on bugs and cameras with characteristics and operating parameters in known ranges.
Conclusion
Organizing a system for protection against tracking and wiretapping is not cheap, so its installation and operation should be approached responsibly. In addition, today it is practiced to check premises for wiretapping in the format of periodic scanning using professional detectors and jammers. If there are signs of tracking, for example, it is possible to assess the situation at the site without installing equipment in a one-time monitoring format. But if the task is constant and comprehensive scanning, then preference, of course, should be given to stationary devices that are combined with local security systems.
