Hollywood Spy Gadgets Go Mainstream
We have all been dazzled by Hollywood spy agents in the movies because they are the embodiment of worldly sophistication and class. And not to mention the fact that they have cool toys too. Perhaps that is what holds our attention to them because in some ways, we want to be them and play with their toys too.
The air of sophistication most of us will have to work on by ourselves but the toys are out on the market for spy enthusiasts to enjoy. With the miniaturization of technology, and its cheaper production costs, cameras and camcorders can fit into the palm of your hand. Video and audio recording devices are super popular because it fits the spy motif of James Bond which is to have cool gadgets that turn into something else. You can find spy pen camcorders, spy sunglasses, or even a spy stick of chewing gum all doubling as espionage devices to the unsuspecting masses.
Other spy tools in an agent’s arsenal are concealment devices. These concealment devices can be anything ordinary. As the name suggests, its purpose is to hide things. Therefore, anything can be a concealment device as long as it can pass the curious gaze of onlookers as being unspectacular and worthless. Shaving cans, fake paintings and hollow books are all good candidates as a concealment device. A spy agent would be able to hide money, messages or anything he deemed to be secret within.
A concealment device can also serve another purpose as a dead device. A dead drop device is one in which an object is passed amongst agents without them meeting in public. This is different than a live drop as the agents would meet together for the exchange. Although this reduces the risk of the agents being seen together and arousing suspicion, it also causes concern that someone else might get to the dead drop device before the exchange. This is why specific signals are agreed upon to direct to the location of the dead drop. As dead drop locations should change to avoid repetition, multiple signals are used.
As one can see, spies use a combination of technology and cunningness to do their job. It is not all about having cool gadgets but also using a bit of old fashion ingenuity as well. Using the methods as described above, one can play at being an amateur spy for fun.
