Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera

Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera

Nest $299

Review date: 10/23/2019

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.

Privacy

Can it snoop on me?

Camera

Device: Yes

App: Yes

Microphone

Device: Yes

App: Yes

Tracks Location

Device: Yes

App: Yes

What is required to sign up?

What data does it collect?

How does it use this data?

How can you control your data?

What is the company’s known track record for protecting users’ data?

Average

Can this product be used offline?

Can’t determine

User friendly privacy information?

Yes

Links to privacy information

Security

Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?

Yes

Encryption

Yes

Uses encryption in transit and at rest.

Strong password

Yes

Do you have to create a strong password?

Security updates

Yes

Does it get regular software/firmware updates?

Manages vulnerabilities

Yes

Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?

Privacy policy

Yes

Does it have a privacy policy?

Artificial Intelligence

Does the product use AI?

Can’t Determine

Does the AI use your personal data to make decisions about you?

Can’t Determine

Does the company allow users to see how the AI works?

Can’t Determine

Company contact info

Updates

Family says hacked Nest camera warned them of North Korean missile attack
Washington Post
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
Business Insider
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
Wired
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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