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Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

julianoliver.com

81–90 of 138 posts

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#81
post #11

One easier way to detect (without jamming afterwards), for iOS at least, is to install the "Fing" app, connect to the wifi and scan the network. Then you will know the connected devices and their names. Chances are that cameras will have easy to recognize names on them. EDIT: you'll get the MAC address too, so you can compare if they match camera companies.

For those who don't own an iOS device, or don't feel it is the best tool to do this kind of analysis: The standard tool on OS X or Linux appears to be Kismet[1], which, while I haven't actually used it and so can't vouch for it firsthand, appears to be quite capable. I don't know what, if any, equivalent tool exists for Windows, and since I don't own a Windows laptop, I also don't really care. Edit: Having now instal…

If you think Fring offers cool capabilities from a handheld device, you should check out Kali Nethunter[0]

[0] https://www.kali.org/kali-linux-nethunter/

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#82
post #70

Say someone is renting out a room on AirBNB, and they also have some dropcams monitoring the perimeter of their house. Someone rents the room, and runs this script, disabling the cameras. During the stay, the property is burglarized, and there is no surveillance footage of the crime because the renter disabled the cameras. That seems like an incredibly messy legal situation. Would the renter even be able to exonerate…

Even more clearcut, all the cameras in all the neighbouring flats get disabled (this is actually the reason why jamming is illegal -- EM radiation doesn't know to respect property boundaries).

This particular script is not really a jammer in the traditional sense. It's simply a de-auth command to a specific device on a specific network. So with a little care you could ensure you were only dropping the indoor cameras.

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#83
post #2

Except a $10 spare smartphone can be turned into a wifi camera very easily. So it only works if they are using one of those two off the shelf cameras.

Are there any guides to doing this? We're about to have a baby, and don't want to drop a few hundred bucks on a baby video monitor system - I'd rather just ziptie a phone to the shelf above the crib.

No need for a guide. I've done this several times and it's very simple. Assuming you have an Android, use the following app: IP Webcam https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pas.webcam

It will be accessible on the local network via web browser (it starts a web server on the phone) or client app on another phone (e.g. tinyCam Monitor).

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Flaunt roughly means to show off. I think you mean flouting the law. (edit: Nevermind, I see flaunt has both meanings)

The second meaning is an error, really, and gets flagged with usage notes. "4. The use of flaunt to mean “to ignore or treat with disdain” ( He flaunts community standards with his behavior) is strongly objected to by many usage guides, which insist that only flout can properly express this meaning. From its earliest appearance in English in the 16th century, flaunt has had the meanings “to display oneself conspicuou…

> Considering the similarity in pronunciation of the two words,

The only similarity I hear is that they both begin with fl and end in t. But the vowel between is quite different, in British English RP at least.

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#85
post #82
post #70

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Even more clearcut, all the cameras in all the neighbouring flats get disabled (this is actually the reason why jamming is illegal -- EM radiation doesn't know to respect property boundaries).

This particular script is not really a jammer in the traditional sense. It's simply a de-auth command to a specific device on a specific network. So with a little care you could ensure you were only dropping the indoor cameras.

The FCC considers sending deauth packets "jamming" according to https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-113A1.pd...

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#86

Say someone is renting out a room on AirBNB, and they also have some dropcams monitoring the perimeter of their house. Someone rents the room, and runs this script, disabling the cameras. During the stay, the property is burglarized, and there is no surveillance footage of the crime because the renter disabled the cameras. That seems like an incredibly messy legal situation. Would the renter even be able to exonerate…

> Would the renter even be able to exonerate themselves? If you can convince the cops to do their job, then yes? If my apartment was burgled when I was at work and my new roommate had the day off, the cops would -hopefully- do some investigation to determine if anyone else might have possibly entered the space, as well as checking and enquiring with pawn shops and grey-market street vendors for my stolen goods.

The cops are not going to go looking for your lost stuff for you. I know this from experience.

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#87
post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The US is obviously a very fucked up place.

The US is a fucked up place because they want to make sure a babysitter doesn't shake their baby to death or a housecleaner doesn't break or pocket something without admitting it? Hyperbole much?

A camera doesn't stop either of those things, it just shows them happening.

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#88

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm not advocating anything. Also note that I might take issue with cameras even in areas where I don't expect to have privacy. In what way do those 'higher up' have privacy? Even a CEO is commonly able to be monitored by HR.

The CEO has it's own office. He can close the door. If he wants, there will be no surveillance. He even has an employee hired to protect his privacy: his secretary, which sits in front of this door. 'No sorry, mister Buffet is not in right now'. The cleaner, the factory worker etc has to work in public places an thus can ben surveilled 100% of the time? > I'm not advocating anything You are at least condoning surveil…

>You are at least condoning surveillance of everything that is under YOUR control. 'My property', 'I am paying for this'.

Those are not words I said.

I just wanted to know how you drew the line.

Which has helped me understand you better. I think you define the word 'privacy' differently than I do. I am against surveillance in many areas where I do not expect 'privacy'. You also draw a similar distinction, where you're okay with someone physically watching a plumber but not setting up a camera.

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#89

And don't forget to report those cameras to the authorities, since in many countries it is completely illegal to film people without their consent (in private places).

Interestingly enough, it's also completely illegal in the US to de-auth a WiFi client which is exactly what this is doing and the disclaimer is hardly accurate: "It may be illegal to use this script in the US." There's no "may" about it. It is illegal: https://www.fcc.gov/document/warning-wi-fi-blocking-prohibit... Two wrongs really don't make a right. Without physically locating the camera you have no idea what is b…

The relevant text of the FCC enforcement advisory you just linked to is:

"No hotel, convention center, or other commercial establishment or the network operator providing services at such establishments may intentionally block or disrupt personal Wi-Fi hot spots on such premises, including as part of an effort to force consumers to purchase access to the property owner's Wi-Fi network. Such action is illegal and violations could lead to the assessment of substantial monetary penalties."

Re: Detect and disconnect WiFi cameras

#90
post #2

Except a $10 spare smartphone can be turned into a wifi camera very easily. So it only works if they are using one of those two off the shelf cameras.

Are there any guides to doing this? We're about to have a baby, and don't want to drop a few hundred bucks on a baby video monitor system - I'd rather just ziptie a phone to the shelf above the crib.

I saw a great app that turned old iOS devices into baby monitors. It wasn't the one I link to below, but you get the idea. Another weird hack was to buy a pair of cheap phones with unlimited minutes or unlimited to one number on one of them. Dumb phones are best as the battery is better. Then just call the phone and leave the call running. Unlimited range as long as you have cell signal. Telcomes here in NZ got wise and limited the minutes of a call. Cloud Baby Monitor https://appsto.re/nz/N99Yz.i
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