Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera
Cameras are everywhere these days. If you want to jump on the bandwagon, Google's Nest Cam offers HD-video, 24/7 recording, alert you when it detects motion, has multiple microphone for detecting loud noises, and the IQ even has Google Assistant built in so you can ask it to call 911 when it detects that scary motion. It even says it can tell a person from a thing and lets you talk back to them. Which is either handy when it comes to chasing away the bad guys, or tons of fun when it comes to scaring the pants off that buddy who’s looking after your cat.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Nest is owned by Google, which means they have the full force of Google behind its security features, which is a good thing. It also has the full force of Google behind its privacy features, which means that Google may target you with ads based on your interactions. Also, you've put an always on video camera and microphone in your home. It might be unlikely, but if someone accessed the feed via the app, you're privacy would be completely gone in your own home. Also, Google's own device chief says homeowners should warn guests they are in proximity of a microphone potentially recording your conversations when they visit your home if you own a device like this. We think that is good advice.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: Yes
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: Yes
App: Yes
Tracks location
Device: Yes
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Can’t Determine
Phone
Can’t Determine
Third-party account
Can’t Determine
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Body related
Social
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption in transit and at rest.
Strong password
Do you have to create a strong password?
Security updates
Does it get regular software/firmware updates?
Manages vulnerabilities
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Privacy policy
Does it have a privacy policy?
Does the product use AI?
Is this AI untrustworthy?
What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?
Is the company transparent about how the AI works?
Does the user have control over the AI features?
News
Family says hacked Nest camera warned them of North Korean missile attack
An Orinda, Calif. family is reeling after they say a hacker accessed their surveillance camera, falsely warning them of ballistic missiles from North Korea barreling toward the United States, the Mercury News reports.
Google exec says Nest owners should probably warn their guests that their conversations are being recorded
Google devices chief Rick Osterloh said he believes anyone "in proximity" of a microphone-fitted smart device like Google Nest or Amazon Echo should be informed the devices are in use.
Nest Cams Hijacked
Dozens of Nest camera owners this week heard a disembodied voice insist that they subscribe to PewDiePie's YouTube channel. On Sunday, a voice emanating from a Nest security camera told a family of three that North Korean missiles were en route to Ohio, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In December, a couple was startled out of bed when they heard sexual expletives coming from their baby's room over a monitor. Then they heard a hacker's voice on their Nest cameras, saying "I’m going to kidnap your baby, I’m in your baby’s room."
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