How is cyber-surveillance used?
Cyber-surveillance can be used in a variety of helpful ways, and you may choose to use cyber-surveillance to monitor and control your own property or add certain conveniences to your life. Some examples of connected devices that allow you to use cyber-surveillance include:
- thermostats;
- smart electrical outlets (with lights or other devices plugged into them);
- entertainment systems (stereo, TV, etc.);
- security cameras and motion detectors;
- smoke detectors;
- video doorbells;
- smart locks;
- appliances (refrigerator, vacuum, etc.);
- nanny cameras;
- pet feeders, pet cameras, pet toys and trackers (GPS systems that allow you to know where your pets are);
- children’s toys and trackers.
These types of devices may be connected to the Internet or a data network so that you control them remotely through apps or they may be programmed to turn on and off at certain pre-set times. Other devices may be voice-controlled and complete certain activities on command.
You are using cyber-surveillance technology (in a way that may be helpful, make you feel safer, or for your own benefit) when you do things like:
- control devices in your home remotely (such as the television, air conditioning, heating system, or the alarm system);
- install a security camera feature at your home that you can monitor remotely (i.e., using the Internet to observe your own property);
- use devices that allow you to control your car’s GPS device, locking mechanism, sound system, or allow you to start your car remotely; or
- use fitness watches to connect to a network to monitor your own movement and goals.