The Operator’s Phonebook: Covert Recording in Everyday Spaces

A continuation of our series on phone tactics for black team operations

In the last post, we talked about best practices for actually recording video with commentary on engaements. Now we focus on how to use it while in motion, specifically, how to record video inside and around a target building without drawing attention.

This technique is simple but effective: record while pretending to be on a phone call. It works because it blends in with everyday behavior, making it one of the most reliable ways to collect video discreetly during black team engagements.

Now, while this might seem really obvious you may be surprised how many people forget to do this when they are stressed or excited. And further, there are a few subtle things you should certainly practice and do before going on a real assignment.

The Wrong Way, Obvious and Risky

Let’s begin by talking about what you should avoid.

A poor method is holding your phone out in front of you like you are filming intentionally. Whether you are pretending to use your GPS or snapping a quick photo, this kind of behavior draws attention. Especially indoors or in tighter spaces such as lobbies or near secure entry points, this looks suspicious. The moment your camera is pointed directly at something, it becomes obvious you are recording.

Anyone who sees this behavior will immediately know that the person is recording and then the inevitable questions of “why are they recording” … and “what are they recording”.

These two questions can easily blow your cover, if an employee notices that you are recording an access door or security camera.

The Right Way, Blending in with the Crowd

Now let’s look at the more effective approach.

Rather than filming openly, start recording a video using your camera app. If your phone allows it, lock the screen or dim it to avoid any glowing display. Then, casually bring the phone to your ear as if you are answering a call. Walk slowly, speak occasionally if necessary, and keep your body language natural and relaxed.

This works because the behavior is common. People rarely question someone who looks like they are on a personal call. You can pass through hallways, lobbies, or even security-adjacent spaces while capturing valuable footage without anyone suspecting what you are actually doing.

An Unexpected Bonus, Social Camouflage in Action

One often overlooked advantage of pretending to be on a phone call is how it naturally discourages interaction. People tend to avoid interrupting someone who appears to be mid-conversation, especially in public or professional environments. This gives you more freedom to move around without being stopped, questioned, or engaged.

Whether you're walking through a lobby, going into an elevator or even ducking into a conference room, holding your phone to your ear acts as a subtle barrier. It signals that you are occupied and not available for conversation. If you do not want to make small talk with employees, be approached by reception, or have anyone ask why you are standing in a particular place, this tactic helps shield you.

Used correctly, the phone call illusion not only lets you record discreetly, it also helps you maintain control over your personal space and pace, allowing you to focus on gathering the footage you need without unwanted interruptions.

Practicing the Technique, Why Aim Matters

Where many people struggle with this technique is in the actual aiming of the camera.

Once the phone is held to your ear, you lose the ability to see exactly what you are recording. It is easy to assume you are pointing the camera in the right direction, only to discover later that your footage is off-center or completely misses the subject. This is especially common when you are close to your target, such as indoors or in a tight hallway.

This is why practice is so important. Set up your phone to record, hold it to your ear, and walk past different objects or scenes. Later, review the footage to see how accurately you captured what you intended. With practice, you will start to learn how small adjustments in your grip or posture can change your recording angle.

The challenge increases when trying to capture something at an unusual height or angle. For example, recording a ceiling-mounted security camera while pretending to be on a phone call can be extremely difficult if you havent practiced some techniques.

You may need to tilt your head or shift your stance in a subtle way to aim upward, all while looking and sounding like you are simply speaking with someone.

Remember, because you are actually recording a video you cannot pull the phone away from you so others can see what you are really doing.

How to Practice the Phone-Call Recording Technique

Start in a familiar environment, like your home or office, and create a small training scenario. Identify several targets to record, this could be a clock on the wall, a smoke detector, a camera in the corner, or even a document on a desk. Your goal is to record each one while pretending to be on a phone call.

Begin by setting your phone to record video, then bring it up to your ear as if you are mid-conversation. Move naturally through the space, pausing briefly near each target, just as you would on an actual black team engagement.

To evaluate how well you're doing, set up a second camera, this can be a webcam, another phone, or any device with a wide field of view, to record you as you perform the exercise. This gives you two crucial pieces of feedback:

1. Footage Check: Review the video you captured on your phone. Did you frame each target correctly? Were you close enough? Did you miss anything entirely? This will show you how good your aiming instincts are without relying on the screen.

2. Behavior Check: Watch the external camera footage of yourself. Did you look natural and believable, or did your movements seem awkward, suspicious, or out of place? Were you fidgeting with the phone too much or obviously trying to aim it?

3. Context Check: Remember that you are on a phone call, allegedly, and as such you can speak; and so long as nobody is to close, you can give your videos context by explaining: what, where, and why you are recording which will greatly help you and your team later when you have 100 pictures and videos to review.

By reviewing both recordings side by side, you’ll get a clear sense of your technical accuracy and your behavioral camouflage.

Final Thoughts

Covert video recording does not always require specialized equipment or hidden tools. Your smartphone, when used with intention and skill, can serve as a powerful tool for collecting valuable footage without detection. The key is to blend in, behave naturally, and never look like you are filming.

The phone-to-ear method is one of the simplest and most effective techniques for discreet video capture in the field. It relies on normal behavior, takes advantage of what people expect to see, and allows you to operate within sensitive environments without raising suspicion.

With enough practice, this approach becomes smooth, convincing, and incredibly useful in real-world reconnaissance and penetration testing situations.

Training Resources:

For individuals looking for a hands on training that includes all of the above topics, Covert Access Team (covertaccessteam.com) provides training courses focused on physical penetration testing, lockpicking, bypassing techniques, social engineering and other essential skills.

• Covert Access Training - 5 day hands on course designed to train individuals and groups to become Covert Entry Specialists

• Physical Audit Training - 2 day course on how to setup and run a physical security audit

• Elicitation Toolbox Course - 2 day course of that primarily focuses on elicitation and social engineering as critical aspects of Black Teaming

• Strategic Operations for Lone Operators - Advanced course for those who are interested in learning how to become a one man infiltration team.

• Counter Elicitation - 2 day course on how to recognize and prevent elicitation attempts, and safegaurd your secrets.

• Cyber Bootcamp for Black Teams - 2 day course designed explicitly for physical penetration testers who need vital cyber skills to add to their toolbox.

• Private Instruction - Focused learning & training based on your needs .