Hotel room safety check: 7 quick ways to spot hidden cameras and risks

Staying in unfamiliar accommodations can be an exciting part of travel, but it's essential to ensure safety and privacy. Kaspersky offers seven practical tips to safeguard personal information and devices in hotels, rental apartments, or homestays.

First, secure your internet connection by avoiding free Wi-Fi networks that may lack strong encryption. Instead, use a VPN, mobile data, or an eSIM for added protection. Double-check the exact Wi-Fi network name and login process with hotel staff before connecting.

Second, inspect the room for hidden cameras by examining seemingly innocuous objects like smoke detectors, alarm clocks, USB chargers, electrical outlets, picture frames, and decorative items. Some cameras may emit a faint glow in the dark, detectable by a smartphone camera. Refrain from tampering with devices and report suspicions to hotel management or local authorities.

Third, be cautious with smart home devices, including smart TVs, speakers, coffee makers, and door locks. Avoid linking sensitive accounts to unfamiliar devices, and sign out before leaving. Check if devices allow resetting passwords or removing account information. For devices connected to the hotel's Wi-Fi, examine the network's connected-device list, although this may not always reveal all hidden devices.

Fourth, prepare devices before traveling by setting automatic screen locks, using strong unique passwords, protecting sensitive documents with encryption, enabling device-finding features, and ensuring software is up-to-date. These simple steps can help maintain privacy and security while enjoying temporary stays away from home.