How to check an office or meeting room for hidden cameras

Workplace monitoring versus a hidden camera

In many places, employers may use visible cameras in work areas for security, often with notice in a policy or on a sign. Laws vary a great deal by country and region. What is widely restricted is recording in private areas such as restrooms, changing rooms and lactation rooms, and in some places recording audio without consent.

A hidden camera placed by a coworker, a visitor or a contractor is a different issue from company monitoring. So is a camera aimed at a keypad, a screen full of client data, or a private office where confidential conversations happen. If you are not sure which situation you are in, read your employer's policies first and then ask.

Telling known devices from unknown ones

A Wi-Fi scan in an office will almost always find video-capable devices. Before you treat any of them as suspicious, build a short list of what you expect to see.

• Conference room systems. Cameras above or below the meeting room screen, often with a lens cover or a privacy light.
• Smart TVs and display screens. These often answer discovery requests on the network and may show up as media devices.
• Security cameras and door systems. Usually visible, often ceiling-mounted in corridors and entrances, and managed by facilities.
• Printers, phones and access points. These show up on the network too, and none of them should offer a live video stream.
• Personal devices. Coworkers' laptops and phones, which join and leave the network all day.

Where a planted camera would go

A camera placed to capture screens, whiteboards or passwords tends to sit behind or above a desk, aimed down. Look at desk lamps, pen holders, USB chargers, clocks, smoke detectors and picture frames with a view of a monitor or keyboard. In meeting rooms, check anything that faces the table but is not part of the room system: a speaker, a plant, a power strip or a decorative object. The power strip guide covers a common desk disguise.

For a home office, the risk is more often your own devices. Check that webcams are covered when not in use and that any home security camera does not face your work screen.

Which Candor checks suit an office

Candor's Wi-Fi camera scan gives each flagged device a plain reason, such as offering a live video stream or answering camera discovery. In an office, match each result to your known-device list. Many corporate networks separate guest and staff traffic or block discovery, so a quiet result proves little. Only scan networks you are allowed to use, and check your company's IT policy before running network tools on a work network.

The lens finder is the fastest check for a desk or meeting room. The magnetic sensor helps on objects that should be passive, such as a pen holder or a picture frame. The Bluetooth scan will list many headsets and keyboards, so focus on close unnamed devices near where you sit. Candor runs on Android only.

Talking to IT, facilities or HR

If you find a device you cannot account for, do not unplug or remove company equipment. Photograph it, note where it is and what it faces, and ask IT or facilities whether it belongs to them. If it is not theirs, or it sits in a restroom, changing area or private room, report it to HR or security in writing. If you believe you were recorded in a private space, you can also contact local police.

Check a desk or meeting room in about 10 minutes

1. Write down the devices you expectList the room's known equipment: conference camera, screen, phone, access point, visible security cameras. Ask a colleague or IT if you are not sure.
2. Sit where you work and look outwardFrom your chair, note every object with a view of your screen, keyboard or face. In a meeting room, sit at the table and do the same.
3. Sweep those objects with the lens finderDim the lights if you can and move the phone slowly over each object. Inspect any steady, sharp point of light by eye.
4. Test passive objects for electronicsCalibrate the magnetic sensor away from the desk, then move it along items that should have no circuitry, such as a frame or pen holder.
5. Compare scan results with your listIf network scanning is permitted, run the Wi-Fi camera scan and match each flagged device to the known list. Note anything left over.
6. Ask before you actPhotograph any unknown device and ask IT or facilities whether it is theirs. Escalate to HR or security in writing if it is not.

Frequently asked questions