DIY security systems are all the rage these days. Simplisafe offers a plethora of motion sensors, water sensors, panic buttons, indoor and outdoor security cameras. These camera comes with the usual features -- HD-video, motion detection, streaming to your phone via an app that lets you record with the push of a button. They even use "intelligent detection algorithms" that can determine the heat signature of a human and only send alerts that matter. Use the Simplisafe app on your phone, tablet, or computer to keep tabs on everything all the time. You'll need the optional subscription plan to record, store, and share those video clips.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Simplisafe seems fairly safe when it comes to your privacy and security of their indoor and outdoor security cameras. They say they don’t sell of monetize user’s personal information “in the traditional sense (i.e., get paid to share your personal information).” That sounds funny, but it’s mostly legalese required to explain things under privacy laws. They do say they share personal information with third parties for things like SimpliSafe’s Amazon Alexa Skill, Apple Watch, or Google Assistant. All these third parties also have their own privacy policies you’ll need to pay attention to. So many privacy policies!
Simplisafe doesn’t provide the option for local storage on their security cams, which is a bummer because that tends to be safer than Cloud storage. And while videos are automatically deleted from storage after 30 days, it’s not clear if you can go in and delete them yourself before then. What would happen if something goes wrong? You want to delete a video a neighbor asked you to take down, find you can't, email Simplisafe to ask them to take it down, they eventually do but now you're signed up to their email list even though you didn't want that.
Tips to protect yourself
- Use a privacy shutter at times of increased privacy
- Keep your camera firmwave up to date
- Protect your Wi-Fi router with a strong password
- Turn on the Two-step verification
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?
Yes
Phone
No
Third-party account
No
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Name, address, contact information, demographic information
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?
In 2019, the YouTube channel LockPickingLawyer demonstrated how SimpliSafe’s home security system could be compromised by a $2 wireless emitter that mimics the frequency of its door and window contact sensors. Simplisafe disputed these findings.
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Simplisafe lets you know in the privacy policy that you may be required to post a notice about your camera, depending on the privacy laws in your state.
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
The SS3 version uses encryption.
Strong password
Simplisafe rate-limits login attempts by account and IP address.
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Simplisafe encourages responsible security vulnerability reporting. https://support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040090812-How-do-I-report-a-possible-security-issue-in-the-system-
Privacy policy
Does the product use AI?
Is this AI untrustworthy?
What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?
Person detection through computer vision implementation.
Is the company transparent about how the AI works?
Does the user have control over the AI features?
Dive Deeper
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Student finds privacy flaws in connected security and doorbell camerasTech Explore
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SimpliSafe vs. Ring: Which home security system is better?CNET
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SimpliSafe’s home security system can be compromised by a $2 wireless emitterCameron Faulkner
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