
Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera
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?
Unknown
Phone
Unknown
Third party account
Unknown
What data does it collect?
Personal
Biometric
Social
How does it use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record for protecting users’ data?
Can this product be used offline?
User friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Security
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?