IN Malaysia, the public's fear of being spied upon became real after the exposé of a former minister's sexual escapades at a hotel room a few years ago.
It is believed that the sale of hidden spy devices and detectors had risen when video clips of the exploits went viral.
Another case where many hidden spy cameras were detected was at the former Selangor menteri besar's office.
So if you are a new chairman, chief executive officer, menteri besar or minister moving or relocating to a new office and home, it is advisable to conduct bug sweeps or technical surveillance counter measure (TSCM) inspections to uncover possible surveillance devices planted by your enemies, agents or those who had prior access to the premises.
This is one way to protect information on your assets, maintain privacy, as well as identify security weaknesses, including confidentiality of meetings and conferences. TSCM inspection, bug sweeping or debugging, is a procedure for locating covert surveillance devices such as audio, video transmitters in offices, residential homes or vehicles.
Many people have bought hidden spy detectors in Jalan Pasar, Kuala Lumpur, or online at between RM65 and RM150 a unit. It is believed that local private investigators often charge up to RM10,000 or more to spy on high-profile personalities.
The hidden spy gadgets today have advanced technology, are more sophisticated, complex and smaller in size, with longer battery life and access to wireless networks designed to collect information such as audio, video and data. These are easily available in the market and anyone can purchase and use them to invade our privacy.
Forbes magazine wrote: "Are you afraid that hidden cameras might be spying on you when you travel? In 2020, the concern about spycams in hotels and vacation rentals can no longer be dismissed as far-fetched."
Typically,these covert camera devices are embedded in innocuous-looking items such as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, phone chargers and even shampoo bottles and deodorant sticks.
They were discovered in hostels and hotels all over the world.
CNN said in South Korea, a crime ring was busted after secretly filming and live-streaming the actions of more than 1,600 motel guests.
A good-quality spy camera can fit into an area that provides hard-wired power to the camera.
In hotel rooms, the area near a high-definition television or digital TV box is a popular spot to set up the device as the TV in most rooms faces the bed.
Other areas that can camouflage cameras or listening devices are the mirrors, hair dryer holders, curtains, paintings and smoke detectors. Cameras can also be hidden in the wall near electric plug sockets and tissue boxes.
To detect hidden cameras in hotels, a good Wireless Camera Signals Sweeper is required that must be able to sweep up to 6GHz. For the untrained eye, the hidden lens may not be easy to detect where it is hidden and for some latest spycams, they are concealed under tinted surfaces, which make detection almost unnoticeable.
Hard-wired cameras can only be detected by TSCM's professionals. Most modern surveillance technology devices are highly discreet and are difficult to locate without TSCM's expertise. The best advice is not to check in into the same hotel room.
Third-generation phones (digital and data), or 3G, are said to be harder to monitor because they use digital encoded and compressed transmission. However, it is possible to intercept communications and decrypt the audio with the help of the right technical equipment used by TSCM specialists or telecommunications companies.
United States President Donald Trump, for instance, had accused former president Barack Obama of allegedly wire tapping his phones at his Trump Tower office during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Hiring a TSCM company requires thorough due diligence and background checks to ensure their reliability and the integrity of the consultants. They could be double agents and their integrity questionable. Confidentiality must be guaranteed.
A close friend, who was a former Special Branch officer, told me once that "everything around us is unsafe". Trust only your mother. A pertinent reminder to all of us who own smartphones.
Even landlines are at risk.
The writer holds professorial chair and is director at HELP University's Institute of Crime and Criminology