Arguments Against Video Surveillance
As the use of CCTV cameras increases across the United States and globe, so does the debate over their numbers and motives. In a previous post, Arguments for Video Surveillance, we looked at four arguments for video surveillance. These arguments included peace of mind, loss prevention, crime deterrent, and crime solving.
But what about the other side of the fence? The ACLU has an entire Web site, You Are Being Watched, devoted to the “high costs of camera surveillance systems, both in terms of money and civil liberties,” and there are a large number of individuals and other groups out there that oppose “big brother” watching our every move.
So, what are some of the arguments against the use of CCTV surveillance systems?
- Invasion of Privacy – This is the most common argument against surveillance systems. While video surveillance is more commonly accepted in public areas, this sentiment comes into play with the use of covert and hidden cameras in almost every case.
- Mistrust – The use of security cameras in your home or business can make its occupants feel mistrusted. If your family members or employees are under constant surveillance, there is likely to be hostility and animosity in the air.
- Not Proven Effective – Studies done in California and London have found that security cameras had little to no effect on reducing the crime rate. With an increase in the sheer number of cameras in many large cities, many replacing human security guards, this is a strong argument that will be the main target of many opposing groups.
- Misuse and Abuse – The footage captured by CCTV cameras becomes susceptible to abuse and misuse by those who have access to it. For instance, the footage can be used to discriminate against people and for voyeurism. In the age of the internet, this is another huge deal, as can be seen by all of the “hilarious” YouTube videos out there. I doubt the subjects would find most of them as funny.
All of these reasons are valid arguments against CCTV surveillance. There are many cities and countries that have massive surveillance systems, and we will likely see a large increase in public monitoring in the near future, so the more the public knows about the industry and their rights, etc, the more everyone can prepare for when it happens in your little corner of the globe.
Do you have any additional arguments against the use of security camera systems? What are your thoughts? Will you fight them, or open your “public” life up willingly to being observed? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you.
Arguments for Video Surveillance
According to a recent survey by the Harris Poll, 96 percent of Americans support the use of video surveillance in public places by the government and law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorism. Of course, we all know that video surveillance is used for more than just preventing terrorism, but also to keep watch over our homes and businesses, on streets, in parks and in several other public and private places.
So, what are some of the arguments for the use of CCTV surveillance systems across the country? Here’s a few of the more common reasons people back up the use of security cameras and other surveillance equipment.
- Peace of Mind – A security camera system can provide peace of mind for you, your family, employees and customers. Because they always watch, you don’t have to worry about your loved ones or property while away. They help people feel secure in their surroundings and to know, if something did happen, help can arrive quickly.
- Loss Prevention – CCTV cameras can help keep personal belongings, merchandise and money where it belongs. The systems can monitor employees and customers to make sure nothing is out of place and reduce theft.
- Crime Deterrent – Security cameras can make a target less attractive. If would-be criminals spot a camera, they may reconsider their plans. It can prevent your family, customers and employees from being victims of a crime.
- Solving Cases – Of course, if the cameras don’t prevent the crime, the footage video surveillance systems capture can be used as evidence and help ensure that the proper arrests and prosecutions take place.
These arguments are among the most common ones made for CCTV surveillance. In a follow up post, we will cover four arguments against video surveillance. In the meantime, do you have any additional reasons and benefits of using security cameras? Let us know!
Source:
Harris Poll – http://www.brslabs.com/files/Harris_Poll_survey_release_FINAL.doc
Detecting & Battling Key Loggers, Computer Monitoring & other Malicious Activities
Now that we’re all paranoid, or at least on guard, from Eric’s counter surveillance post, lets increase that paranoia some more by diving into computer counter surveillance.
Computer surveillance is when someone is watching everything you do on your computer. It is not the same as someone blocking certain Web sites or preventing spam in your e-mail inbox. Computers are an excellent source for people to spy on you because of the wealth of information they store.
In 1994, the U.S. government passed the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (pdf file), which allows for all phone calls and internet traffic to be made available for unimpeded real-time monitoring by Federal law enforcement agencies. These agencies use programs such as TEMPEST, “Magic Lantern” and CIPAV that can identify and report any trigger words or phrases, suspicious Web sites and communication through chat and e-mail with suspicious individuals or groups.
The government is not the only entity that has access to computer surveillance programs. Your neighbors, parents or even your significant other could be using computer software to spy on you.
The most common type of computer surveillance involves installing key logging software or hardware. When key loggers were first developed, they recorded each keystroke made on the computer. However, these programs have developed to include the ability to take screen shots, record chat-room conversations, pictures, and sent or received e-mails.
Some signs that your computer has a key logger or some other form of spyware installed include:
- Slow PC start-up and Internet browsing
- Increased processor usage
- Hard drive constantly running
- Changes in mouse or keyboard response time
- Display errors
To see if there are any suspicious programs that you did not install look in the task bar, task manager and in “Add or Remove Programs” under the Control Panel. If there is anything that looks suspicious, research it and then delete it. In some cases, it may be necessary to restore your operating system from scratch to get rid of it.
You can help prevent computer surveillance by installing a program that detects monitoring software.
I would recommend reading through these additional resources on computer surveillance, key loggers and counter-surveillance measures:
- Wikipedia: Computer Surveillance
- Global Oneness: Computer Surveillance
- How to detect computer and e-mail monitoring or spying software
- How can I tell if someone has installed a keylogger on my computer?
- Keylogger: Every stroke you take I’ll be watching you
I encourage you to share your experience with computer surveillance and any suggestions you may have in regards to warning signs and what to do.
Digital Video Recorder: Not Just Your TiVo
When you think of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), the first thing that comes to mind is more than likely the TiVo sitting on a shelf near your TV. However, a DVR doesn’t just record television shows. Specific types of CCTV DVRs can be used to record the video (and audio) that your surveillance cameras capture. Of course you have to own a DVR that is specifically made for this purpose.
The types of DVRs used for security are the PC-based and standalone DVR. It is a good idea to be familiar with the basics behind these when choosing a security DVR for your home or business.
Let’s take a look at both.
PC-based
The PC-based DVR can come in either a tower (normal PC) or a rack mount form. It includes all of the same components as your household or work computer, as well as a video capture card, or cards, which is the device that captures the video and audio from your cameras. The PC typically runs on a Windows operating system. This type is easier to upgrade and modify in the future. It also offers better video recording quality, more advanced features and can easily be integrated with your alarm or POS system. A PC-based DVR is good if you plan on setting up a surveillance system for large projects, such as casinos, banks and airports.
Standalone
A standalone DVR looks like and is about the same size as a standard DVD or VCR player. All of the software and components are built-in, and the DVR runs on either a Linux-based or proprietary-based operating system. Because a standalone only runs one application, it is less likely to experience software failure. These systems are easy to install and use, offer a variety of functions and are less expensive than PC-based DVRs. If you are installing a security camera system in your home or small office, a standalone DVR is the way to go.
As you continue to build your home or business surveillance system, it is important to compare between the two types and decide which will be best suited for your operation. After you have, come back and share your hints and tips about purchasing a security DVR by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading!
Familiarize Yourself with CCTV Equipment for Informed Package Purchases
When you perform an online search for “security camera packages”, a wide variety of choices are returned. Every company that sells CCTV equipment offers its customers different packages to choose from; 4- to 16-camera packages, PC-based or standalone packages, and more. It can be quite daunting to filter out the choices and understand what you are buying.
So where should you start?
You should ask yourself the same questions that you would when building your video surveillance system component by component, and understand the different technicalities that go into that system.
After you have an idea of what you want out of your system and understand what you are searching for, start looking for complete video surveillance packages that include most, if not all, of the following components:
- DVR (PC or Standalone)
- Cameras
- Cable (Pre-cut or on a spool)
- Hard Drive(s)
- Monitor(s)
- DC power supplies and plugs
- Connectors
Research and read all you can about each component included in the CCTV package so you understand the items and know for sure that what comes with the system is what you are looking for. The more “complete” a package you are able to find, the easier it will be to install because you will have everything you need right at your fingertips.
It is also a good idea to see what kind of services and support the company you are purchasing the package from offers. Does the retailer test the DVRs with the cameras before it is shipped to ensure that they are in working condition? Do they offer any technical support in case you do have a problem setting the system up? Does a warranty come with it that covers all of the items in the package? Some companies offer free lifetime technical support and industry standard warranties, while others offer nothing, so be careful to read the seller’s policies before purchasing.
After you have found the perfect security-camera package for yourself, come back and let us know if this post was any help, and if you have any suggestions or tips of your own for others who might be looking for a complete camera system as well.
Five Reasons to Buy a Surveillance Package
Good things come in small packages, but who says they can’t come in large ones, too? There are many good things that come in large packages; from power tools to pets, computers to cars, furniture to surveillance systems.
“A surveillance system?” you ask.
Yes. Why not? After all, it’s got to get to your house or business somehow, right?
Why not make the process of getting that big box full of security cameras and CCTV equipment to its destination quicker and easier by purchasing an already configured package? Besides the speed, there are other definite advantages to acquiring everything you need for your home or business security system by buying a security system package.
- Cost – When you buy a surveillance package, it is, generally, sold at a discounted price by the company. You save more money by buying the components as a package, rather than as individual items. The included discounts usually range anywhere from three to 10 percent.
- Time – When you order your equipment by phone or online, you don’t have to waste your valuable time by clicking on or asking for each individual item, and making sure you have the right number of cameras or a monitor. It’s all right there! One click or short phone call away.
- It’s All Right There! – As mentioned before, you don’t have to search for each item you want, and even more importantly, there’s no way you’ll forget that BNC connector, cable or monitor, which are all vital to get your security system up and running.
- It Works – Each component in the package will work with the other. You don’t have to worry about the camera that you picked out being compatible with the DVR you choose or not having enough cable to properly hook the system up.
- Hooking-It-Up – Because all of the items are guaranteed to work together, you spend less time assembling, installing, configuring and reading instructions. The systems are easy to use, and will have you watching over your property in no time at all.
So why not check out some complete security camera system packages today and wait anxiously for that large box to arrive at your doorstep? But while you are waiting, let us know what you think about this post and pass it on!
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