Qannas: Electromagnetic Authorization-Based Camera Detection System

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

2026 17th Student Research Conference on Applied Computing Src 2026

Publication Date

4-22-2026

Abstract

The increasing availability of compact and easily concealed spy cameras has created serious privacy and security risks in restricted environments such as government facilities, military zones, and other sensitive locations. Many modern devices operate offline, avoiding traditional network-based detection methods. This paper presents Qannas, a passive electromagnetic leakage-based detection system designed to identify hidden and unauthorized cameras without relying on Wi-Fi traffic, optical visibility, or active probing. The system captures near-field electromagnetic emissions using a low-cost software-defined radio and analyzes power spectral density representations to detect periodic comb-like harmonic patterns generated by internal camera circuitry. This enables real-Time detection and early alerts. A structured detection methodology is introduced, including spectral estimation, peak extraction, harmonic spacing analysis, artifact rejection, and signature generation. Experimental evaluation in realistic indoor environments demonstrates consistent identification of stable harmonic spacing patterns associated with active camera devices. The results confirm that unintentional electromagnetic leakage can serve as a potentially reliable indicator for passive camera detection and enable differentiation between authorized and unknown devices.

ISBN

[9798319510167]

Publisher

IEEE

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

electromagnetic leakage, harmonic analysis, Hidden camera detection, privacy protection, signature identification, software-defined radio, spy camera

Scopus ID

105043205454

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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