: Budget hotels or short-term rentals (like certain Airbnb or OYO listings) have historically been points of concern. Disguised Objects

: Turn off the lights and scan the room with a phone flashlight. Look for tiny, glinting reflections, which may indicate a camera lens.

Home security camera systems are powerful tools for safety, but they are not "set it and forget it" devices. They require a conscious trade-off. To truly secure your home, you must secure the data your home produces. By prioritizing encryption, local storage, and ethical placement, you can ensure that your guardian doesn't turn into a spy.

: Storing footage on a physical device inside your home gives you total control, as the data never leaves your local network.