The government has tons of money to fund its survillance programs. If its snoops really wants to find out what you are up to, it has almost infinite amounts of resources at its disposal. A university professor described to DEF CON attendees how the ordinary citizenry could shield their activities, without having to robbing a bank to fund the project.

"Our government's assault on the Constitution is pretty well known," Phil Polstra, an associate professor of digital forensics at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, said on Friday. Here are two ways you can tell you are being spied on and how to protect against it, on the cheap.

Look for Infrared Light

Hidden cameras frequently have infrared light around the lenses, allowing them to maintain surveillance even in the dark. Even though the light is invisible to the human eye, smartphone cameras can detect them. If you are wondering if you're on hidden camera, turn on the camera on your phone and scan it around the room. Polstra demonstrated how his phone's display showed a purple hue while turning the camera lens on his phone around the room.

Listen to the Radio
Are you worried law enforcement may be tracking you in your car with a bumper beeper? It is very easy to attach the long, thin tracking device to the car with magnets, and until recently, law enforcement could use them with impunity. Now they are required to get a warrant first. Either way, turn on the car radio and switch to the AM band. If you hear a steady loud tone, you've been tagged and it's time to stop using the car.

There you have it. I personally would rather not know if I am under surveillance because I don't think I can handle more paranoia in my life.