There’s a device that detects nearby Flock cameras, an encrypted handheld device for sending texts without relying on carrier networks or the internet, a risk calculator for third-party web browser extensions, and an advanced spyware detector for smartphones. I spent my weekend analyzing all of them, going through reams of on-the-floor footage and announcement pages. These are the things that struck me as most interesting.
Flock You and OUI-SPY by Colonel Panic
OUI-SPY is an ESP32 microcontroller pre-loaded with Colonel Panic's Flock camera detection firmware Credit: Colonel PanicA very interesting gadget to come out of DEF CON 2026 is this technology developed by a DIY hardware enthusiast who goes by “Colonel Panic.” It’s a lightweight firmware called Flock-You that can be installed on any ESP32 microcontroller. You buy an ESP32 chip for $10 to $15, load the firmware onto it, and use it to listen for wireless signals that alert you when a surveillance camera like Flock is nearby. If you don’t want to bother yourself with the DIY setup, Colonel Panic also sells packaged ESP32 boards with the Flock-You firmware pre-loaded into them. These are called OUI-SPY detectors, and you can get them for as little as $85 apiece.
There are a few caveats, like how the Flock-You firmware won’t work on Arduino or Raspberry Pi microcontrollers because they are tuned into the ESP32’s specific wifi and Bluetooth infrastructure. Also, Flock cameras are already being adjusted to evade this detection technology, so it will probably only work on older or unpatched models.
The Biscuit Ultra by Hedge
Biscuit Ultra is the Swiss army knife of anti-surveillance devices, with WiFi scanning, Flock camera detection, follower alerts Credit: Biscuit ShopA list of all nearby wifi networks
If the same device or gadget keeps popping up everywhere you go
Of the three features, I think the third one is probably the most useful of the bunch. You’ll get automated alerts if the same smartphone, tracker, or GPS device is following you around over time, which is a good indicator of whether you’re being actively tracked without your knowledge. The device is designed to look inconspicuous, like a small handheld router with two swivel antennas. Right now, a single unit costs about $160 on the Biscuit Shop.
Rayhunter by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
Rayhunter, designed by the EFF, is an open-source platform that can detect 'Stingrays' Credit: The Electronic Frontier FoundationFederal agents are required to obtain a search warrant before deploying these tools except in "exigent circumstances," but that likely isn't enough to preserve the general public's privacy. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has developed a new tool called Rayhunter to detect any suspicious towers that could be Stingrays in the vicinity. It runs on any off-the-shelf mobile hotspot, which the EFF says can cost as little as $20. You simply load the EFF’s free software into the hotspot, and it lights up red if there’s any suspicious tracking behavior from nearby towers.
The Hacker Pager by Exploitee.rs
The Hacker Pager is a retro-style handheld device with a screen and keyboard, designed to transmit texts over short-distance radio waves Credit: Exploitee.rsUnlike cellphones, The Hacker Pager does not rely on cell towers or internet connectivity. This low-tech gadget uses radio waves that transmit from device to device instead, based on an open-source firmware called Meshtastic. With the 2026 firmware update, Exploitee.rs’ device now supports external Bluetooth keyboards, multichannel communication, and more customization options for things like notification sounds. While secure, it’s not very long-distance, because the signals only travel up to thirty miles—assuming that there's a clear line of sight with no obstructions.
Phasmid by Mr. Rabbit
Phasmid is an open-source Python app that can be installed on a Raspberry Pi to create a dual-slot concealed storage system Credit: Makoto SugitaPhasmid is an open-source Python app that can be installed on a device that splits your local storage into two slots—one real, and the other a fake version that you designed with your sensitive data removed. When someone tries to physically coerce you into handing over your device, Phasmid pulls up a “safe” version of your local storage that has all the sensitive data scrubbed from it, without revealing anything else.
Since it’s only a prototype, Phasmid can only be installed on Raspberry Pi devices for now, and a macOS version is currently under development. It’s more of a proof of concept as it stands, but an interesting look at a tool that solves a specific problem that not a lot of technology is designed to secure against.
L.A.Y.E.R.S. by Abhinav Khanna and Krishna Chaganti
L.A.Y.E.R.S. is a client-side platform that scans your browser for malicious extensions Credit: Abhinav Khanna and Krishna ChagantiL.A.Y.E.R.S. is currently available as a downloadable package on GitHub. It runs locally on your web browser, without sending any data to third-party platforms via API. Every browser extension you have installed gets scanned for suspicious permission requests, malicious JavaScript or HTML, risky external endpoint URLs, and other common patterns among malicious plugins. You end up with a simple risk score that grades each extension between one and 100, with lower scores indicating a higher security risk.
IsMyPhonePwned by Anthony Desnos
IsMyPhonePwned scans your iOS or Android smartphone over WebUSB for spyware Credit: Anthony DesnosDesnos’ tool is a web application you can run from your desktop PC. You connect to your compromised smartphone over USB, and IsMyPhonePwned generates a bug report for you. You can run this check on both Android and iOS devices. If you suspect a specific app of being spyware, there’s also a tool here called droid2web that can scan Android app packages separately.
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