Surveillance Systems And Why We Need It






by Eric Stonebred


If knowledge is power, advanced knowledge is power to act instead of react. Surveillance Systems can help you do just that. History is rife with examples of people, businesses and governments trying to determine what others are up to. Today, the enemy is no longer clearly defined, and catastrophe may lurk anywhere, at any time. We trust others to protect us and to do that they need these kinds of tools.

The phenomenon of the Internet has crossed borders, nationalities, class and social boundaries. Nobody will naysay the incredible benefits offered, but like any other type of technology, the Internet has become a powerful tool in the hands of criminals.

Sophisticated, complex software systems are employed to monitor the Internet on a continuous basis. Web traffic, downloads, emails and even social networks are scrutinized for suspicious keywords and phrases in order to foil attempts at planning crimes. Pedophilia, drug dealing and copyright abuse are some of the other types of illicit behavior often foiled by this scrutiny.

The human body itself can also be very useful in the prevention of crime and the identification of perpetrators. Biometric surveillance is used to create vast databases of individual fingerprints, DNA, voice patterns, physical idiosyncrasies and even out of the ordinary character traits. This technology is used to identify criminals and to create links between individuals and a crime scene.

An eye in the sky has long been very useful in finding out what the opponent is up to. Aerial surveillance has come a long way, though. Today, satellite technology allows minute scrutiny of just about every inch of the globe. Cloud cover, darkness and camouflage techniques are all useless against examination from far above. Staggering costs limits this technology to a few.

There is even a field called corporate surveillance. This type of pursuit can have both benign and malignant intentions. For examples, a company may try to find information on the contracts, systems and technology of a rival. But it can also be used to gear marketing strategies, or to determine product loyalty. Employee habits may also be watched and emails monitored, but permission is required.

Surveillance Systems are pervasive everywhere. If you drive to fast, you will be photographed. When you enter a bank, you are being watched. If you plot evil, you may be recorded and scrutinized. While many argue that their privacy is of paramount importance, the fact remains that, without it, authorities would be doomed to reactive measures, instead of proactive steps to protect society.




About the Author: